Ogun: Police bust illegal arms network

…recover firearms, ammunition

Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 58-year-old, Adeboye Ojesina, over unlawful possession of firearms and alleged use of the same to threaten residents within Wasinmi in the Ewekoro Local Government Area and adjoining communities.

The operatives, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Wednesday, acted on credible and actionable intelligence and recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge.

The police spokesperson said the suspect initially denied ownership; however, in a statement, he claimed he recovered the pistol within the area and discharged a round to test its functionality.

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The suspect also claimed that the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual currently being trailed by operatives.

The PPRO stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the case, while the suspect remains in custody.

Meanwhile, the Ibafo Division had uncovered a vehicle parts theft network and arrested Afisu Awesu while attempting to steal a forklift engine component with an accomplice who escaped at a site in Igbeti Sote village in the area.

The suspect was reported to have earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and disposed of them to Bala Aminu of Kara, Ibafo. 

The alleged receiver of the stolen item was equally arrested by detectives.

Babaseyi said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and fully dismantle the criminal network and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.