Police Nab 13-Year-Old with Pistol and Mask in Ogun; Father Arrested

​ABEOKUTA – Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended a 13-year-old boy, John Joseph, after he was found in possession of a locally made firearm and a face mask during a routine security operation.

​The teenager was intercepted on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM by the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS). At the time of his arrest, the minor was traveling in a commercial tricycle in the Lafarge area along the Sagamu/Ogijo Road.

​According to a statement released on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babasiyi, a search of the boy’s person led to the discovery of one locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and a mask. When questioned, the 13-year-old could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the items but alleged that the weapon belonged to his father.

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​Acting on this disclosure, police investigators tracked down and arrested the boy’s father, Joseph Kehinde, 38. Both father and son have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further interrogation.

​The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, who recently assumed office with a pledge of “zero tolerance” for illegal arms, commended the vigilance of the QRS operatives.

​“The Command remains firm in its stance against the unlawful possession of firearms,” the statement read. “Investigation is ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding this case. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of our findings.”

​Residents of Ogun State have been urged to continue supporting security agencies by sharing timely and credible information to help curb criminal activities across the Gateway State.