Police move to curb growing motorcycle theft in Ondo, apprehend suspects

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on motorcycle theft, arresting key suspects and recovering stolen bikes in a series of operations across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the achievements were recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

According to the statement, operatives of the Funbi-Fagun Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Joseph James, on April 9 while attempting to move a stolen black Boxer motorcycle in the Sabo area of Ondo.

The police said the motorcycle, valued at about ₦500,000, had been reported stolen a day earlier, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s fleeing accomplice.

In a similar operation on April 22, officers arrested Raji Akeem at Shasha in Akure while trying to sell a stolen red Boxer motorcycle belonging to a resident of Araromi Street.

The statement noted that the suspect, who was rescued from a mob attack, was receiving medical attention in police custody, while the recovered motorcycle had been secured as evidence.

In another case, detectives from Enu Owa Division arrested a suspect, Adedigba Adeola, over the alleged theft of a motorcycle in October 2025, after he reportedly deceived a commercial rider and fled with the bike. Police said the suspect later confessed to selling the motorcycle, adding that efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen property and arrest other accomplices, while all cases would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the command urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid dealing with strangers, and report suspicious activities, assuring the public of its commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.