The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested a couple in connection with a burglary at the country home of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, in Okitipupa, the headquarters of the Okitipupa Local Council Area of the state.
The operatives of the corps recovered seven stolen mobile phones and other valuables carted away during the operation and, as well, foiled an attempt to smuggle the items to Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Samson Osowe, 28, and his wife Ayo Oguneso, 22, were apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the stolen items to a transporter who was preparing to convey them out of Okitipupa to Lagos.
The security agency also disclosed that an accomplice involved in the transportation chain had been arrested and taken into custody following the confession of the suspects.
Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the corps in the state.
“I’m happy to let you know that all the phones stolen are here in front of the suspects, and the two suspects are right here with us,” he said.
“Samson Osowe, 28, male, and his wife, Ayo Oguneso, 22. Including the transporter who was supposed to take the phones out of Okitipupa to Lagos.
“We equally have the accomplice, but because we expanded our scope of investigation to other issues, that is why others, not only directly related, have been doing that on our watch list in that local government.
“We put everything in place to arrest them, but they will go to court immediately, and the phones will be released on bond to the Right Honourable.”
Meanwhile, the former Speaker confirmed that the burglary occurred in the middle of the night on Sunday, when expensive mobile handsets and other personal effects were stolen.
Akindele, who disclosed that several windows were damaged during the operation, renewed the call for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, pointing to the success of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State as the strongest argument for such a constitutional amendment.
“I have often been regaled with the heroic efforts of the Amotekun Corps to battle and curtail all forms of crimes and insecurity in Ondo State, and to state that I am awed by their dexterity, their determination, their bravery and commitment to duty is an understatement,” she said.
“I salute the Corps Commandant, Mr Adetunji, whose effective and productive style of leadership is evident. Investigations are ongoing with most of the perpetrators in Amotekun custody.
“I would not want to dwell on how they were caught and how the investigations will proceed, but I sincerely commend these valiant officers and men to the Ondo State Government for recognition, awards, and encomium.”