Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command say they arrested a member of eight-man suspected robbery gang that invaded phone market at Oke Ilewo area of Abeokuta on Wednesday 12th April 2023 evening dispossessing phone dealers of their possessions.
Crime report from the command indicated that the hoodlums stormed the market popularly known as “TARMARC” at about 5.30 pm, started shooting sporadically and carting away expensive phones.
There was pandemonium in the axis and neighbouring Pansheke area as passers-by ran for their lives.
The state police spokesman SP Abimbola Oyeyemi said the traders made a distress call to the police at Ibara divisional headquarters, consequence upon which the Divisional Police Officer, Ibara, CSP Abayomi Adeniji quickly mobilized anti-robbery and surveillance teams in collaboration with men of Amotekun corps and moved to the scene.
He said when they sighted the policemen, the robbers engaged them in gun battle, but due to the superior fire power of the policemen, the hoodlums took to their heels.
He added that they were hotly chased and with the assistance of the market men, one of the robbers later identified as 32-year-old Adeniji Sakiru was apprehended.
Oyeyemi explained further that unfortunately, one Dayo Bankole, a trader in the market, who was shot by the robbers gave up the ghost while receiving treatment at General Hospital Ijaye, Abeokuta.
Items recovered from the arrested robber are; one double- barrel locally- made gun and assorted charms.
Meanwhile the outgoing Commissioner of Police now AIG, Frank Mba, has directed that the suspect be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments for discreet investigation.
He equally ordered a massive manhunt for the remaining members of the gang with the view of bringing them to justice.
He therefore appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals, to inform the police if anybody with gunshot injury is seen in their area.
