Father, son arrested over pistol, cartridge, mask in Ogun

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A 38-year-old man identified as Joseph Kehinde and his 13-year-old son, John Joseph have been arrested in the Shagamu/Ogijo road axis of Ogun State for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm.

The father and son were arrested by operatives of Ogun Police Quick Response Squad (QRS) on stop-and-search duty at the Lafarge area along Shagamu/Ogijo Road on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the police operatives intercepted a tricycle conveying the John and a search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and a mask, the ownership of which he could not satisfactorily explain.

But he said the suspect claimed that the firearm belonged to his father.

Babaseyi said following the disclosure, operatives arrested the father.

He added that the suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation.

Babaseyi added that investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the case. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commends the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives. He reiterates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities, assuring residents of sustained efforts to ensure safety and security across the State. He further urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994,” Babaseyi said.