Police smash suspected diesel bunkering ring, arrest 16 in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 people over a string of alleged offences, including defilement, illegal petroleum product dealings, vandalism, burglary, theft and receiving stolen property, as part of its ongoing Operation Kosaye.

Police said the suspects were apprehended during separate intelligence-driven operations conducted across the state. The operations also involved tactical raids, forensic investigations and rapid responses to distress calls.

Among the items recovered were two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums containing suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 jerry cans filled with suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator and other exhibits.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, said the arrests underscored the command’s determination to tackle crime and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

One of the arrests involved a 50-year-old man accused of defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Babaseyi said, “On July 21, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives attached to the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande, 50, over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl.”

According to him, the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, where he is being investigated ahead of prosecution.

In another operation on the same day, officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, at Abule-Iroko in Sango over alleged involvement in an illegal diesel bunkering operation.

Babaseyi said, “Recovered during the operation were four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation.”

He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.

Police also announced the arrest of two men, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, over the alleged vandalism of telecommunications mast cables at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota. The suspects were arrested on July 12 following credible intelligence.

Babaseyi said, “Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for the alleged offence.”

The command warned that anyone involved in vandalising public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.

Elsewhere, detectives attached to the Idanyin Division arrested Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor after responding to a burglary at a commercial premises. Investigators also recovered part of the stolen property from the shop of a suspected receiver, while efforts continue to recover the remaining items and identify other accomplices.

In a separate investigation, detectives from the Ajuwon Division recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and arrested 20-year-old Mathew Mark after tracing the theft reported on July 3. Police said he remains in custody pending prosecution.

Forensic analysis also helped detectives in Agbado Division uncover another house-breaking case. Tracking one of the stolen mobile phones led to the arrest of Sodiq Raji, 32, whose interrogation resulted in the arrest of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35. Some of the stolen items were recovered, while police continue to search for other suspects.

The command also confirmed the recovery of a mini truck loaded with aluminium doors and window frames after armed hoodlums abandoned it along the Benin/Ore Expressway during a police response.

Babaseyi said, “On sighting the police, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest. The truck was successfully recovered and released to its owner, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

Another abandoned bus was recovered by officers attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division following information supplied by members of the public. Police said the vehicle is being kept safely while efforts are made to locate its rightful owner.

Between July 13 and July 21, detectives at Atan-Ijebu Division also arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27, Adura Adebanjo, 26, Samuel Sunday, 25, Bashiru and Muhammed over separate burglary and house-breaking cases. Clothing, household goods, bedding materials and other stolen items were recovered during the operations.

Commending officers involved in the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance and dedication.

He reiterated that the command would sustain Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations and stronger collaboration with local communities.

Ojajuni urged residents to continue supplying timely and credible information to assist the police in preventing crime and ensuring the protection of lives, property and critical national assets across Ogun State.