The Ogun State Police Command has expressed concern over the surge in armed motorcycle robberies across the state, advising commercial motorcyclists to strengthen their safety measures against theft.

In a statement released yesterday, Spokesperson for the command, SP Omolola Odutola revealed that recent statistics indicate a rise in motorcycle robberies statewide.

She highlighted this growing trend in areas such as Owode Egba, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ibafo, and Ewekoro.

Consequently, the Ogun State Police Command, as part of its end-of-year security awareness campaign, urged residents to be vigilant to avoid becoming victims.

Odutola cited a recent case on October 2, near Fidiwo in Owode Egba, where a motorcyclist, Daniel Michael, reported that his TVS motorcycle (registration number L 358), valued at N1 million, was stolen. Two men armed with a rod attacked him, striking him in the chest and back.

While he was unconscious, they stole his motorcycle. Despite his injuries, he claimed to recognise the assailants.

In a similar incident, Majek Obasanjo, from the same area, was robbed of his motorcycle along the same bush path. He fought back, but the criminals escaped with his Itel phone and N13,200 cash.

Fortunately, eyewitnesses identified the fleeing suspects as Abibu Yusuf (23) and Sanni Saidu (30).

The police apprehended the suspects, recovering two cutlasses.

“The Divisional Police Officer of Owode Egba is intensifying efforts to rid the area of these criminals and prosecute the arrested suspects to deter others,” Odutola added.

Meanwhile, the Oke Itoku Division of the Ogun State Police Command arrested Adejumo Michael, a male, for stealing a red Bajaj motorcycle parked at a church.

The motorcycle has been recovered.

According to the police, Folorunsho Jamiu, accompanied by Adekanmbi Olanrewaju, both of C.C.C. parish Olorunsogo, Abeokuta, reported the theft at the charge room on October 6 at about 1:00 p.m. They stated that at around 12:30 p.m. same day, Mr Jamiu had parked his Bajaj motorcycle, with registration number LSD 443 QH, within the church premises.

Jamiu returned to check on the motorcycle a short while later and discovered it had been stolen.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led officers to the scene. They tracked the stolen motorcycle to Michael, who was attempting to escape with it. Michael was apprehended and taken to the police station, where the recovered motorcycle was also taken for safekeeping.