Ondo police arrest suspects over fake Okada emblem, stealing of cocoa, palm oil

PRESS RELEASE

ARREST OF SUSPECTS FOR FORGERY AND ILLEGAL ISSUANCE OF OKADA EMBLEM IN OWO

The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another operational success with the arrest of suspects involved in the forgery and illegal issuance of motorcycle (Okada) emblems purportedly issued by the Ondo State Government. This development followed a report made by the Branch Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Owo, who complained that a forged Okada emblem was discovered in possession of a commercial motorcyclist.

Upon discreet investigation, it was established that the fake emblem was issued by one Ojo Agbi, Unit Chairman at Uso, and one other suspect currently under investigation. Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the Command’s CP Monitoring Unit swung into action and effected the arrest of the principal suspect. During interrogation, he confessed to the commission of the crime and has since been cooperating with investigators to apprehend his accomplice and others connected to the illegal act.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects had been involved in the fraudulent production and sale of fake emblems for some time, distributing them not only to unsuspecting commercial motorcyclists but also issuing them indiscriminately to all and sundry, including known criminal elements, in a bid to maximize their unlawful gains and enrich themselves at the expense of both the association and the state. Their actions not only defrauded innocent riders but also jeopardized public safety by enabling criminal elements to operate under the guise of legitimate identification.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, commended the prompt response and diligence of the CP Monitoring Unit, emphasizing that the Command remains resolute in identifying, exposing, and dismantling all forms of criminal enterprise across the state. He reiterated that no matter where criminals flee to, the Ondo State Police Command will unrelentingly track, arrest, and bring them to justice.

He further appreciated the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, whose visionary guidance, strategic reforms, and unwavering support have continued to enhance operational effectiveness, intra-agency collaboration, and the overall policing architecture across the nation.

While assuring members of the public of the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and proactive policing, the Commissioner of Police advised residents, particularly transport union members, to abide by the law, resist involvement in any form of illegality, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation for immediate action.

PRESS RELEASE

ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED, DANGEROUS WEAPONS RECOVERED IN ODIGBO LGA

The Ondo State Police Command has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property with the arrest of an armed robbery suspect and the recovery of dangerous weapons used in a violent attack on a farming community in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The operation followed a report made by one Mr. Kenneth Ossia, who informed the police that he received a distress call from the Chairman of Sete Camp that some men armed with various dangerous weapons had invaded the community. The assailants reportedly terrorized residents before carting away ten bags of 500kg cocoa beans, five kegs of 30 liters of palm oil, and a cash sum of eight hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦850,000.00). The incident caused panic in the area and prompted immediate police intervention.

Responding swiftly, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command mobilized to the scene, a move that culminated in the arrest of one of the principal suspects, Muhammed Birisiyu, while four of his accomplices escaped into the bush. The promptness of the response not only restored calm to the affected community but also prevented further attacks. A search conducted on the arrested suspect led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun with one expended cartridge, one battle axe, two dagger knives, three cutlasses, and one police belt, all believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

The arrest of the suspect marked the beginning of a detailed investigation. During interrogation, Muhammed Birisiyu confessed to the commission of the offence and has since been cooperating with detectives to identify and apprehend his fleeing accomplices. The Command has intensified efforts to track down the remaining members of the gang and recover the stolen items, ensuring that all involved are brought to the book.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, commended the swift and coordinated response of the officers who effected the arrest, noting that such professionalism reflects the Command’s renewed operational focus on proactive policing and community security. He reaffirmed that no matter where offenders flee to, the Ondo State Police Command will locate, arrest, and bring them to justice, stressing that Ondo State will remain unsafe for criminals and their sponsors.

In furtherance of this assurance, the Commissioner of Police appreciated the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, whose visionary guidance, policy direction, and consistent operational support have continued to strengthen the capacity of police formations nationwide to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging security threats.

While reassuring residents of the Command’s steadfast commitment to public safety, the CP advised citizens, especially those in rural and farming communities, to remain vigilant and law-abiding, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station. He emphasized that effective policing thrives on timely information sharing and public cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
8th November, 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *