The Ondo State Police Command has recorded fresh operational breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on motorcycle theft across the state, with the arrest of suspects and recovery of stolen motorcycles.
- +Police crackdown on motorcycle theft, arrest suspects in Ondo
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and protecting residents’ livelihoods.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and protecting residents’ livelihoods.
In a statement issued by the Command spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi on X on Monday, it said the operations underscore its “unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks, and safeguarding the livelihoods of residents.”
On April 9, 2026, police officers attached to the Funbi-Fagun Division arrested Joseph James, 28, while allegedly attempting to move a stolen black Boxer motorcycle from the Sabo area of Ondo.
“The suspect was intercepted while attempting to move a stolen black Boxer motorcycle from the Sabo area of Ondo,” the Command stated.
It added that the motorcycle, valued at about ₦500,000 and reported stolen a day earlier, was immediately recovered.
“The motorcycle, valued at approximately ₦500,000 and reported stolen on 8th April 2026, was promptly recovered,” the statement read.
The Command further disclosed that “the suspect has made useful statements, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.”
In another operation on April 22, 2026, police acted on a report from Olowolafe of Araromi Street, Akure, whose red Boxer motorcycle was stolen.
The command said, “acting on intelligence, operatives tracked and arrested one Raji Akeem at Shasha while attempting to dispose of the stolen motorcycle.”
It added that the suspect had been attacked by an angry mob before police intervention.
“The suspect had been severely assaulted by an irate mob before police intervention and is currently receiving medical attention under police custody,” the statement said.
The motorcycle was recovered and secured as exhibit.
In a separate case, the Command said sustained investigation into a report from October 14, 2025, led to the arrest of Adedigba Adeola, who allegedly tricked a commercial motorcyclist into surrendering his bike under the guise of a trip.
The suspect, according to police, “initially denied the allegation but later confessed during interrogation, admitting to being the principal actor.”
He also allegedly disclosed how the stolen motorcycle was hidden and later sold.
“He further revealed that he concealed the motorcycle in an uncompleted building for four days before selling it to one Danjuma Gideon of Canon Adeyemi Road, Ondo,” the Command stated.
Police said efforts are ongoing to recover the motorcycle and arrest other suspects linked to the case.
“These incidents highlight the evolving tactics employed by criminal elements, including deception, opportunistic theft, and rapid disposal of stolen property,” the statement added.
The Command said it has intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, and patrols across identified hotspots.
