The Ondo State Police Command has stepped up its offensive against motorcycle theft, arresting suspects in separate operations while recovering stolen bikes across parts of the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on April 26, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi K. Jimoh.
According to the statement, the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by different police divisions, targeting theft syndicates believed to be operating within key locations.
In one of the operations, operatives attached to Funbi-Fagun Division intercepted a suspect identified as Joseph James, in the early hours of April 9 while attempting to move a stolen motorcycle out of Ondo town.
Police said the black Boxer motorcycle reportedly stolen a day earlier, was recovered during the operation.
“The suspect was arrested at about 0430hrs while attempting to move the stolen motorcycle. He has made useful statements, while efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplice,” the statement said.
In a separate incident on April 22, 2026,, another suspect Raji Akeem, was arrested in Shasha area of Akure after allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a resident.
Police said the suspect was apprehended while trying to dispose of the bike, adding that he is currently receiving medical attention after being attacked by a mob before officers intervened.
The recovered motorcycle has been secured, while investigations continue to identify other individuals linked to the case.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Enu Owa Division also recorded a breakthrough in a previous case dating back to October 2025, leading to the arrest of Adedigba Adeola.
He was accused of deceiving a commercial motorcyclist under the guise of a trip before making away with the victim’s motorcycle.
According to the police, the suspect later confessed to the crime, admitting he hid the motorcycle before selling it to another individual.
“The suspect confessed to being the principal actor and provided details of how the motorcycle was concealed and later sold,” the command stated.
Police said efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen motorcycle and apprehend other suspects connected to the transaction.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police in the state Adebowale Lawal, commended officers for what he described as swift and coordinated responses, noting that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling crime.
