The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected motorcycle robber, recovered forged documents and other exhibits linked to suspected property-related offences in separate intelligence-led operations.
The command said the operations highlight its continued efforts to combat violent crime and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
In the first incident, which occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on July 9 along Adepetu Street, off Flagship in Ondo Town, police arrested a 32-year-old suspect, John Anthony, for allegedly attempting to rob a commercial motorcyclist of his motorcycle.
According to the police, the victim, Felix Olusola, had picked up Anthony and another passenger at Ife Garage en route to the Flagship area.
During the trip, the rider became suspicious after the passengers repeatedly directed him around the town without stating a clear destination, a tactic police said is commonly associated with motorcycle robbery.
Sensing danger, the motorcyclist raised an alarm and struggled with one of the suspects.
The second suspect fled the scene with a bag, while police operatives, assisted by members of the public, responded promptly and arrested Anthony.
Officers recovered the motorcycle and found a large screwdriver on the suspect, which investigators believe may have been intended for use during the attempted robbery.
Police said the suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence in Ondo Town, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.
In a separate operation, detectives uncovered a suspected motorcycle theft and document forgery scheme following a complaint lodged on July 8 by Omoniyi Opeyemi.
The complainant told police that a man identified as Daniel Motunrayo had visited his office to verify the authenticity of a receipt bearing his company’s name for an unregistered black TVS ladies’ motorcycle allegedly purchased from one Omotosho Segun Joshua.
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Police investigations revealed that the receipt was forged and that the motorcycle had previously been reported stolen.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a laptop containing forged receipts, the suspected stolen motorcycle, two pairs of Army camouflage trousers, a Samsung television set and a Domoclip air fryer.
The recovered items have been taken into police custody, while detectives continue investigations to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities, identify possible accomplices and recover any additional stolen property linked to the alleged syndicate.
Commending the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, praised the vigilance and courage of the commercial motorcyclist whose quick thinking foiled the robbery attempt, as well as members of the public who assisted officers in making the arrest.
He said the incidents underscore the importance of collaboration between the police and the public in tackling crime and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle any wider criminal networks.