By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded two major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime with the arrest of a suspected motorcycle robber, the recovery of a stolen motorcycle, and the discovery of forged receipts and other suspected stolen items during separate intelligence-led operations in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the operations reflect the Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on July 9, 2026, along Adepetu Street, off Flagship in Ondo Town, where operatives arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as John Anthony, while allegedly attempting to rob a commercial motorcyclist of his motorcycle.
Police said the victim, Felix Olusola, had picked up the suspect and another accomplice from Ife Garage en route to the Flagship area. However, he became suspicious after the passengers allegedly failed to provide a definite destination and repeatedly directed him around the town in a manner consistent with the tactics of motorcycle robbers.
The rider reportedly raised an alarm and struggled with one of the suspects, while the second suspect fled the scene with a bag.
Police operatives, assisted by members of the public, responded promptly, arrested Anthony, and recovered the motorcycle intact.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a large screwdriver believed to have been intended for use during the attempted robbery. Police said the suspect failed to give a satisfactory explanation for his presence in Ondo Town, while efforts are ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplice.
In another operation, detectives uncovered a suspected forgery and stolen property syndicate following a complaint lodged on July 8, 2026, by Omoniyi Opeyemi.
The complainant told police that one Daniel Motunrayo had visited his office to verify the authenticity of a receipt bearing his company’s name for an unregistered black TVS ladies’ motorcycle allegedly purchased from one Omotosho Segun Joshua.
Police investigations revealed that the receipt was forged and that the motorcycle had previously been reported stolen.
Detectives subsequently searched the suspect’s residence, where they recovered a laptop containing forged receipts, an unregistered black TVS ladies’ motorcycle suspected to be stolen, two army camouflage trousers, a Samsung television set, and a Domoclip air fryer.
The exhibits have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue to determine the extent of the suspect’s activities, identify possible accomplices, and recover additional stolen property linked to the syndicate.
Commending the commercial motorcyclist for his vigilance and courage, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, said the incident demonstrated the importance of police-community collaboration in preventing crime.
He also praised members of the public who assisted officers in effecting the arrest, describing their swift response as crucial to the success of the operation.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that efforts have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to rid Ondo State of criminal elements.
Police said investigations into both cases are ongoing, with further updates to be communicated as developments unfold.
