Operatives of the Ogun State police command, on Thursday, arrested one Abdullahi Sodiq, a street urchin, for allegedly engaging in sharp tricks of dispossessing people of their valuables, especially women.
The arrest of Sodiq was said to have come on the heels of the order of the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, earlier on.
Ogunlowo had ordered an intensive raid against the criminal-minded residents of the state.
According to information made available to The Eagle online, the suspect was picked up by police operatives attached to the Sakura Division, Sagamu, while patrolling the area with a black nylon bag, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, travel documents, a house key, and several other documents.
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The Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the arrest to The Eagle Online on Friday, said Sodiq was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the items found with him, which were later found to belong to one Iyabo Ogunubi, a victim of the criminal escapades.
Odutola said, “Officers of the Sakura Police Division have apprehended a street urchin who engages in sharp tricks to rob unsuspecting people, particularly women, of their possessions.
“In response to the orders from CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for intensive raids to eliminate criminals and prevent potential crimes.
“On January 16, 2025, at about 7:30 pm, while on patrol, the Sakura Divisional Police Officer encountered one Abdullahi Sodiq, a male with no identifiable address, in possession of a black handbag belonging to a woman. Inside the bag were an iPhone 12 Pro Max, travel documents, a house key, and several other items.
“During questioning, Abdullahi Sodiq could not explain how the bag came into his possession satisfactorily.
“A follow-up investigation revealed that the rightful owner of the bag was identified as Iyabo Ogunubi, who had previously had it stolen by Abdullahi.
“The case will be taken to court, and the police are urging the public to prioritise the security of their valuables.”