Oyo police arrest four over alleged theft of N8m Telecom equipment

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected telecommunications infrastructure vandals who allegedly confessed to stealing solar power equipment from a telecom facility in Kwara State.

A statement by the Command said the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted on June 20, 2026, at the Irepo area along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway.

The Command disclosed that the suspects were intercepted while transporting suspected stolen telecommunications power equipment in an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number EPE 992 KH.

Those arrested were identified as Jimoh Mufutau, 35, from Mowe-Ibafo area of Ogun State; Saheed Akanbi, 34, from Onipanu area of Lagos State; Lateef Ibrahim, 37, from Igando area of Lagos State; and Lukman Jimoh, 38, from Isheri/Berger area of Lagos State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were conveying four hybrid solar batteries valued at approximately ₦8 million.

According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation that the equipment was stolen from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State, before they attempted to transport it to an undisclosed destination.

“The recovered items and the vehicle used in conveying them have been taken into police custody as exhibits, while further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities and identify other members of the syndicate,” the statement said.

Commenting on the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives whose proactive efforts led to the breakthrough.

He reiterated the Command’s determination to safeguard critical national infrastructure and prevent criminal elements from operating within Oyo State.

Olugbenga also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police, noting that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime.

The Command further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, property and vital national assets, while ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.