Three Arrested as Ondo Police Dismantle Inter-State Motorcycle Theft Syndicate
Date: 13th October, 2025
In a decisive breakthrough against inter-state criminal operations, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to a stolen motorcycle syndicate operating across Osun, Ondo, and Edo States. The suspects were apprehended in Ondo town following an intelligence-led investigation.
The operation, which was carried out by operatives from the Yaba Division, followed a report lodged on October 9, 2025, by a man identified as Tosin from Ile-Ife, Osun State. According to the report, a red Bajaj motorcycle belonging to him was forcefully snatched from a rider, who was left severely injured and hospitalized.
Acting swiftly on intelligence that the stolen motorcycle had been moved into Ondo State, the Divisional Police Officer of Yaba Division led a coordinated operation that resulted in the recovery of the motorcycle and the arrest of three individuals: Uche Unwankwo, Afolabi Olabisi, and Taye Akinmolayan.
During interrogation, Akinmolayan, the only female among the suspects, gave conflicting accounts of her involvement, initially claiming to have bought the motorcycle for varying amounts before confessing to her role in the crime. Investigators confirmed that the motorcycle had been forcibly taken before being transported to Ondo.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects are part of a broader network engaged in the theft, movement, and resale of stolen motorcycles across state borders.
The case has since been transferred to the Tactical Investigation and Response Squad (TIRS) for further investigation, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, praised the swift action of the Yaba Division officers and commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for promoting intelligence-driven and people-oriented policing.
The Command has assured residents of its continued dedication to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to remain law-abiding and cooperative with law enforcement agencies.
