Ex-Convict arrested Over Motorcycle Theft
The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) has arrested a 32-year-old ex-convict, Paul James, for allegedly stealing motorcycles across the state.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Corps Commander, Soji Ganzallo, through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Moruf Yusuf, the suspect was apprehended by the Oke-Ogun Area Command during a routine patrol.
Ganzallo explained that James initially abandoned one motorcycle after failing to provide its documents, claiming he would return with them but never did.
“His suspicious behaviour led operatives to demand the motorcycle’s papers. He left under the pretense of retrieving them but failed to come back,” the statement noted.
The suspect was later traced to Idi-Ori in Abeokuta North, where another unregistered motorcycle was found in his possession. During questioning, James confessed to stealing both bikes from Abule-Ilede in Ibarapa North, Oyo State, where his mother resides.
He also admitted to past thefts, including a 2019 motorcycle theft in Tobolo, which he sold to a man named Sulaiman in Ita-Oshin, and a 2013 theft in Ologun Eru, Ibadan, where he sold the stolen bike to a friend, Ifa Ogunlana.
The Corps also arrested Alex Emmanuel (31), who allegedly helped James sell stolen motorcycles to buyers.
Items recovered from the suspects include two unregistered Bajaj motorcycles, one Itel Android phone, and two small phones, all reportedly stolen from Ibarapa North.
Commander Ganzallo confirmed that the suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Zonal Dragon Tactical Unit, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution
