Ogun Police Smash Car Snatching Syndicate; ‘Mandela’, ‘Ilasa’ Nabbed in Ota

​ABEOKUTA – Detectives from the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled a notorious criminal network specializing in cross-border vehicle theft and armed robbery. The breakthrough led to the arrest of two kingpins and the recovery of several high-value vehicles.

​The operation, spearheaded by a joint team from the Ifo and Sango Divisions, resulted in the apprehension of Mohammed Adeniyi Usman, popularly known as “Mandela” (48), and Abiodun Ogunojukan, alias “Ilasa” (38). 

​Acting on a tip-off regarding a hidden depot for stolen property, operatives stormed a hideout in the Adeleye area of Itele, Ota, on May 10. After a seven-hour strategic ambush, “Mandela” was intercepted at the scene. A subsequent search of the premises uncovered a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Venza stolen at gunpoint in Abeokuta last April, and a Honda Crosstour snatched in Ijoko.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Beyond the vehicles, police recovered live cartridges, foreign currency, and a So-Safe Corps uniform, suggesting the syndicate may have posed as security personnel to facilitate their operations.

​The second suspect, “Ilasa,” was tracked and arrested near the Sango-Ota Under Bridge the following day. Police sources confirm that he has provided “confessional statements” that are currently aiding the pursuit of other fleeing syndicate members.

​Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, while confirming the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID) in Eleweran, praised the tactical precision of his men. He reaffirmed the command’s “zero-tolerance” policy for violent crime, urging residents to utilize the Gateway Shield emergency lines to report suspicious movements.