The Osun State Security Network Agency, commonly known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended several suspects involved in various criminal activities across the state, including a syndicate that stole iron steel valued at over N4.5 million from a steel manufacturing company in Ede.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, through the Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Idowu Abass, the arrested suspects in the steel theft case include 26-year-old Wilson Titus and 23-year-old Gabriel Simon, both from Kaduna State, and 32-year-old Ogundele Sunday from Ekiti State.

"They were arrested by Amotekun operatives for conspiring to steal large quantities of iron steel from their workplace, a steel manufacturing company located in Ede," Omoyele stated.

Investigations revealed that the trio, who are employees or closely affiliated with the company, had been systematically stealing iron materials over an extended period and selling them to a scrap dealer in Sabo, Ede, at prices ranging between N3,000 and N7,000—a mere fraction of their actual market value.

During interrogation, Wilson confessed that this was not their first involvement in such criminal activity, admitting that they had been conducting the thefts for a considerable time before their recent attempt was foiled during a surveillance operation by Amotekun operatives.

Additional Arrests for Theft and Vandalism

In a separate case, the Amotekun Corps arrested 38-year-old Ogunbunmi Yemi from Ila-Orangun for breaking into a residential building and stealing household items including a television set, a generator, and iron steel. The suspect reportedly claimed that he intended to sell the stolen items to support himself.

The security outfit also apprehended 28-year-old Gbadegesin Ibrahim from Osogbo, who was linked to the theft of iron steel in Eleweran, Ile-Ife, and the stealing of an Itel mobile phone at Toll Gate, Ile-Ife. He was tracked to his hiding location following a complaint lodged with Amotekun.

Additionally, 32-year-old Biodun Akinwale, also from Osogbo, was caught red-handed while removing aluminum fabrications from a newly constructed building within the Ede North Local Government premises. He had forcibly broken the windows and fittings before being spotted by a resident who promptly alerted authorities.

Commendation and Public Appeal

Commander Omoyele praised his team for their swift response and operational excellence, highlighting the crucial role played by the Corps' Intelligence Unit in facilitating the surveillance that led to the successful bust of the Ede steel theft ring.

"Our operatives acted swiftly following reports of consistent theft at the company. Surveillance was established, and the suspects were apprehended while committing the crime," he said.

The Commander assured that all suspects would be charged to court and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Amotekun or other law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that community collaboration is vital for effective security.