The Osun State Police Command on Wednesday paraded members of an inter-state armed robbery gang based in Lagos but carrying out operations in Osun State.
Solomon Michael, one of the suspects, confessed to participating in three different robbery operations as the gang’s driver.
Michael admitted to having an accident while returning from a robbery operation in Ede. He revealed that he used to work as a truck driver before a conflict with his employer led to his imprisonment at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre in Lagos. During his time in prison, he met Sunday Felix, who fully initiated him into armed robbery.
During a press briefing at the command headquarters in Osogbo, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, said the gang had conducted numerous robberies in Ede before their arrest.
Opalola recounted an incident on April 7, 2024, when a complainant reported that four armed robbers stormed his house in the Akankan Area of Ede, stealing items such as an iPhone 13 Pro Max, an iPhone 7 Plus, an iPhone 6S, clothes, and other properties valued at N4.9 million.
Opalola also disclosed another robbery by the gang on April 14, 2024, when they invaded a house in the Fiwasaye Agbale Area of Ede. The robbers, traveling in a Toyota Corolla, kidnapped a resident and stole three HP laptop computers.
“The victim was not released until 4:30 am after a ransom of N123,000 was transferred to an account belonging to one of the robbers, Solomon Michael,” Opalola said.
During this operation, Sunday Felix shot the complainant’s brother, Ali Monday Segun, in the right leg. Segun was rushed to the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, where doctors removed the bullet.
Also paraded was Tajudeen Abiola, who specialized in duping Point of Sale (POS) operators using fake credit alerts. Opalola assured that all the suspects would face court proceedings once investigations are complete. She added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to these crimes.
Michael’s confession to PUNCH Metro highlighted his recruitment into the gang.
“I was a truck driver before an issue with my employer got me into Kirikiri Custodial Centre, where I met Sunday Felix, who introduced me to armed robbery,” Michael said.
Opalola emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with the police to curb criminal activities.
“The community’s cooperation is crucial in helping us combat crime. We urge residents to report any suspicious activities promptly,” she stated.
The arrest of this gang is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of Osun State residents. The police command remains committed to bringing all criminals to justice and maintaining peace in the state.