By Joy Akinsanya
Police operatives in Ogun have recovered 11 assorted iPhones,, laptop computer and other items from two members of a robbery gang arrested shortly after their operation at a student hostel in the Eruku/Agbon area of Ewekoro of the state.
The gang of robbers also forced one of the victims to transfer N200,000 to an account during the robber, Ogun Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
The Ogun Police Command spokesperson said the suspects were arrested following a distress call from an anonymous caller at about 2:40 a.m. on Sept. 13.
According to him, the caller alerted the police to an armed gang robbing students at a hostel in the area.
According to him, operatives of the Ewekoro Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, promptly responded to the distress call.
”On sighting the police operatives, the suspects abandoned their loot in a school bag and attempted to flee.
”However, the team pursued and successfully apprehended two suspects,” he said.
Babaseyi said a search of the abandoned school bag led to the recovery of 11 assorted iPhones, an HP laptop and various items of clothing.
He added that some victims had identified the recovered property as belonging to them.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang allegedly forced one of the victims to transfer N200,000 to an account during the robbery,” he said
He also said that detectives had visited the crime scene, documented the forced entry and secured the recovered exhibits.
He further said that the suspects and the recovered property had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and prosecution.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and locate the owner of the beneficiary account.
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, as commending the Ewekoro operatives for their vigilance and prompt response.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting students and residents across the state from criminal elements.
He urged operators of off-campus student hostels and landlords to maintain emergency contact numbers and promptly report security threats or suspicious activities.
“Residents are advised to use the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464 to report emergencies,” he said.(NAN)
