The Amotekun Corps of Osun State has arrested suspects in the theft of over N4.5 million from a steel company in Ede.
Also arrested by the corps were other suspects over burglary and theft incidents across the state.
Announcing the arrests, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Chief Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, praised the Intelligence Unit for its crucial role in the surveillance that led to the steel theft bust in Ede.
The suspects either employed or closely associated with the firm, allegedly stole substantial quantities of iron steel from the steel manufacturing company in Ede.
They were said to have been systematically pilfering iron materials and selling them to a scrap dealer in the Sabo area of Ede for as little as N3,000 to N7,000—mere fractions of the actual market value.
One of the suspects allegedly confessed that this was not their first offense, and that the group had been carrying out the thefts over an extended period. The total estimated value of the stolen materials is over N4.5 million.
Their latest operation was foiled during a targeted surveillance mission by the Amotekun Corps.
In separate operations, Amotekun operatives arrested another suspect for allegedly breaking into a residential property and stealing household items, including a television set, generator, and iron steel. He claimed the thefts were motivated by financial hardship.
Also, another suspect was arrested in connection with iron steel theft in Eleweran, Ile-Ife, and the theft of an Itel mobile phone at Toll Gate, Ile-Ife. His arrest following a citizen’s complaint and subsequent tracing by the Amotekun team.
In another incident, another one was caught in the act while allegedly dismantling aluminium fittings from a newly constructed building in the Ede North Local Government area. He was said to have forcibly broken the windows and fittings but was spotted by a vigilant resident who quickly notified authorities.
Oloyede said, “Our operatives acted swiftly after receiving reports of ongoing theft at the company. With effective surveillance, the suspects were caught in the act. They have since confessed to selling the stolen steel for as low as N3,000, while the estimated total value surpasses N4.5 million,” said Dr. Omoyele.
He affirmed that all suspects will be prosecuted in line with the law, stressing that justice will be served to deter similar crimes.
Dr. Omoyele also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to Amotekun or other law enforcement bodies, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to achieving lasting security.
