OSUN STATE, Nigeria — Operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested multiple suspects in connection with a major iron steel theft valued at over N4.5 million, as well as other burglary and theft cases across the state.
The primary suspects—Wilson Titus (26) and Gabriel Simon (23), both from Kaduna State, along with Ogundele Sunday (32) from Ekiti State—were apprehended for conspiring to steal large quantities of iron steel from their workplace, a steel company based in Ede.
According to Yusuf Abass, spokesperson for Amotekun Corps, investigations revealed that the trio, all employees or associates of the company, had been involved in ongoing theft, selling the materials to a scrap dealer in Sabo, Ede for as little as N3,000 to N7,000, despite the items’ actual market value being significantly higher.
“Wilson confessed that this wasn’t their first time,” Abass said. “They admitted to a long history of such activities, which were only recently uncovered during an Amotekun surveillance operation.”
In separate incidents:
Ogunbunmi Yemi (38) from Ila-Orangun was caught after breaking into a residential home and stealing a TV, generator, and iron materials, claiming he intended to sell them for survival.
Gbadegesin Ibrahim (28) from Osogbo was arrested after being linked to iron steel theft in Eleweran, Ile-Ife, and the theft of an Itel phone near Toll Gate, Ile-Ife.
Biodun Akinwale (32), also from Osogbo, was caught red-handed removing aluminium fittings from a newly constructed building within Ede North Local Government premises.
Amotekun Corps Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, praised his officers for their swift action and credited the Corps’ Intelligence Unit for tracking the suspects.
“We acted quickly after consistent reports of theft from the company. The suspects were caught during the act and have confessed to selling stolen steel for a fraction of its value,” said Omoyele.
He confirmed all suspects will face prosecution and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We need the community’s cooperation to continue securing our state,” Omoyele added.
