Police bust motorcycle-stealing syndicate operating across Osun, Ondo, Edo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have dismantled an interstate motorcycle theft syndicate operating across Osun, Ondo, and Edo states, arresting three suspects and recovering a stolen motorcycle.

The suspects, Uche Unwankwo, Afolabi Olabisi, and Taye Akinmolayan, were apprehended by operatives of Yaba Division in Ondo town following an intelligence-led operation carried out under the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Police spokesman DSP Ayinlade Olayinka Olushola said in a statement that the operation followed a report by one Tosin from Ile-Ife, Osun State, whose red Bajaj motorcycle was snatched by unknown persons, leaving the rider hospitalised.

According to the statement, intelligence later revealed that the stolen motorcycle had been moved into Ondo State.

During interrogation, Akinmolayan, the female suspect, gave conflicting accounts of how she acquired the motorcycle before eventually confessing to her role.

Further investigation showed that the gang was part of a network involved in stealing and reselling motorcycles across the Osun–Ondo–Edo axis.

Ayanlade said the case has been transferred to the Tactical Investigation and Response Squad (TIRS) for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the Yaba Division for its professionalism and assured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.