Ondo Police Foil Attempted Motorcycle Robbery, Recover Stolen Bike in Separate Operations
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in separate intelligence-led operations that led to the foiling of an attempted motorcycle robbery, the recovery of a stolen motorcycle and the discovery of forged receipts and other suspected stolen items.
The command said one of the operations took place on July 9 along Adepetu Street, off Flagship in Ondo Town, where operatives arrested 32-year-old John Anthony for allegedly attempting to rob a commercial motorcyclist of his motorcycle.
According to the Police, the victim, Felix Olusola, picked up Anthony and another passenger at Ife Garage. During the trip, the rider reportedly became suspicious after the passengers failed to state a clear destination and instead directed him around different parts of the town.
Sensing danger, the motorcyclist raised an alarm and struggled with one of the suspects. While the second suspect escaped with a bag, police officers, assisted by residents, arrested Anthony and recovered the motorcycle.
A search on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of a large screwdriver believed to have been intended for use during the operation. Police said the suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence in Ondo Town, while efforts are underway to arrest his fleeing accomplice.
In another operation, detectives arrested a suspect following a complaint by Omoniyi Opeyemi, who reported that Daniel Motunrayo had presented a receipt bearing his company’s name for verification after allegedly purchasing an unregistered black TVS ladies’ motorcycle from one Omotosho Segun Joshua.
Police investigations revealed that the receipt was forged and that the motorcycle had earlier been reported stolen.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a laptop containing forged receipts, the unregistered TVS motorcycle suspected to be stolen, two army camouflage trousers, a Samsung television set and a Domoclip air fryer.
The recovered items have been taken into police custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of the suspect’s activities, identify possible accomplices and recover additional stolen property.
Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the commercial motorcyclist for his vigilance and courage in frustrating the robbery attempt, as well as members of the public who assisted officers in making the arrest.
He said the successful operations underscored the importance of police-community collaboration in combating crime and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle any wider criminal network linked to the cases.
