By Francis Ezediuno
Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, have apprehended a syndicate involved in mobile phone theft and fraud against unsuspecting individuals.
The suspects, arrested at various locations in Osogbo, the state capital, include 35-year-old Kayode Owoseni, a two-time ex-convict from Agbode Street, Oke Baale; 43-year-old Olasunkanmi Adesina, a suspected cultist from Oke-Ayepe; and 32-year-old Kehinde Bankole from Idi-Omo, Sabo Road.
NSCDC Commandant Michael Adaralewa disclosed that the arrests followed a complaint from a victim whose phone was stolen. He explained that on June 14, 2024, two men had visited a shop in Inisa, Osun State, to purchase sachet water. While the shopkeeper attended to them, she left her phone on a table. The suspects later left without making a purchase, after which she discovered her phone was missing.
In response to the complaint, NSCDC operatives swiftly tracked down the syndicate, culminating in their arrest on July 1, 2024.
Investigations revealed that Kayode Owoseni had previous convictions for similar offenses. Commandant Adaralewa emphasized the severity of the crimes, which include stealing, impersonation, and conspiracy to defraud the public.
While in custody, Kayode confessed to learning pickpocketing techniques from peers based in Oja-Oba, Osogbo. Olasunkanmi also admitted affiliation with a cult group named ‘Eta Fraternity.’ He revealed that stolen phones were sold, and he used the SIM cards to contact unsuspecting victims, impersonating an old man seeking help with money rituals. Victims, believing his claims, sent money for sacrifices, which he later exploited further by destroying the SIM cards to erase evidence.
The suspects allegedly collaborated with a man referred to as ‘JEEGUN,’ and together, they have defrauded the public for 15 years. Commandant Adaralewa warned would-be criminals in the state to cease their activities or face legal repercussions.