In a recent development, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious seven-man gang that has been causing fear and chaos in the Ijebu-Igbo Local Government Area and surrounding areas.
Initially, two members of this gang, Chukwuma Bartholomew, aged 40, and Igwe Monday, aged 42, were taken into custody by the command. These individuals were known for their brutal tactics, which included murdering their victims even after receiving ransom payments.
Following the arrest of the initial suspects, they led the police to a forest in Ijebu-Igbo where the bodies of their victims had been buried in a shallow grave.
During a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu declared that all members of the gang had been apprehended.
Alamutu announced, “I had previously mentioned that this was a seven-man gang and that the remaining five members were at large. I am pleased to inform you that all of them have now been captured and have provided detailed confessions.”
Among the newly arrested suspects are Ifeanyi Mathias, 31, Anayo Simeon, 28, Ayo Adedayo, 46, Chibueze Odah, 41, Ejiofor Nwali, 35, Eke Peter, 22, Monday Paul, 24, and a female suspect, Chukwuma Zainab, aged 37.
Further investigations revealed that these suspects also admitted to robbing and murdering a POS operator named Oluwaseun Samuel. They had used Samuel’s Moniepoint account and machine in their criminal activities.
Alamutu disclosed that the gang had targeted eight families, resulting in two fatalities and the loss of cash and valuables exceeding N7 million.
The affected families included Azeez and Afolashade Raheem, Oluwaseun Samuel, Adegbenga and Elizabeth Adeniran, the traditional ruler of Aparaki Ijebu, Julius Benedict and Ogunyemi Femi, Adedayo Temitayo and Mojisola, as well as Oladokun Mathew and Bolanle.
Tragically, the deceased individuals were identified as Elizabeth Adeniran, 17, and Oladokun Bolanle.
Following the arrests, one blue Tecno Camon phone and three expended cartridges were seized from the suspects by the police.
Assuring the public, Alamutu stated that once the investigation is concluded, the suspects will be prosecuted in court.