By: Bola Ojuola, Akure.
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have arrested a husband and wife suspected to be members of an eight-man burglary syndicate specializing in stealing expensive mobile phones in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were arrested by the Corps’ Quick Response Team following an intensive investigation into the burglary of the residence of a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to Adeleye, the operation led to the recovery of all mobile phones stolen from the former Speaker’s residence.
The recovered items were part of the exhibits displayed before journalists alongside the suspects.
He identified the principal suspects as 28-year-old Samson Osowe and his 22-year-old wife, Ayo Oguneso.
Adeleye further revealed that a transporter allegedly hired to convey the stolen phones from Okitipupa to Lagos for disposal had also been arrested.
“One of the burglary and robbery cases we investigated was the break-in at the residence of Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele. I am pleased to inform you that all the phones stolen during the operation have been recovered and are here before you.
“The two principal suspects are also in our custody — Samson Osowe, 28, and his wife, Ayo Oguneso, 22. We also arrested the transporter who was engaged to move the stolen phones from Okitipupa to Lagos,” he said.
The Amotekun commander said investigations had been expanded beyond the immediate case after intelligence suggested that some individuals linked to the burglary might be involved in other criminal activities within the local government area.
He added that additional suspects already identified by the agency had been placed on a watch list and would soon be apprehended.
“We have widened the scope of our investigation because some of those connected with this case may also be involved in other criminal activities in the area. Necessary measures have been put in place to ensure their arrest.
“However, the suspects currently in custody will be taken to court without delay,” Adeleye stated.
