Six suspects have been arrested by the Ogun Police Command in connection with a coordinated generator theft network and illegal firearms possession across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo. The arrests were made between May 30 and June 13, 2026, following intelligence-led operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Ibafo Division. Those in custody include Moruf Sodiq 'M' alias "Okiki", Mumuni Amodu 'M' alias "Stone", Abayomi John 'M' alias "Ibafo", Afisu Awesu 'M', Bala Aminu 'M', and Adeboye Ojesina 'M'.
On May 30, 2026, VCRU operatives arrested Moruf Sodiq after credible intelligence linked him to a string of generator thefts in Abeokuta. He led police to Mumuni Amodu, identified as the receiver of stolen property. A search of Amodu's premises recovered four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator and nine suspected stolen Android phones. Abayomi John, a motorcyclist, was also arrested for allegedly providing logistics support to the theft operations.
Separately, on June 12, 2026, SWAT operatives arrested 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina in Wasimi over illegal possession of firearms. A search yielded a locally fabricated pistol, a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge. Ojesina initially denied ownership but later claimed he found the pistol and test-fired it, while stating the rifle was handed to him by an unidentified person now being trailed.
On June 13, 2026, Ibafo Division operatives intercepted Afisu Awesu attempting to steal a forklift engine component in Igbeti Sote Village, with one accomplice escaping. Investigations revealed earlier theft of forklift tyres from the same site, which were sold to Bala Aminu of Kara, Ibafo. Bala was arrested as the alleged receiver. All suspects remain in custody pending charges as investigations continue.
The police commend their own units for arresting suspects who allegedly stole generators while a 58-year-old man claims he picked up a pistol off the ground and fired it to test it. One suspect led officers to a receiver who had four Elepaq generators and a Sumec Fireman model in his possession. If stolen generators are this easy to recover, it raises questions about why such thefts remain common in the area. Residents in Wasimi are expected to feel safer after a man allegedly used a recovered firearm to threaten them.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
