The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone-2 command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has made significant strides in combating crime within his first thirty days in office. AIG Adegoke announced the successful arrest of two suspected criminals involved in various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, impersonation, forgery, and activities likely to cause a breach of peace in Ogun and Lagos states.
A press statement released following the parade of suspects detailed the case of Chief Olasode O. Martins, who filed a petition on July 11, 2024, after a criminal syndicate broke into his premises, stealing his white Range Rover SUV. The case was referred to the Anti-Piracy Unit, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, known for her commitment and expertise in combating emerging crime trends. SP Ogunmolasuyi and her team acted swiftly, using intelligence and call log analysis to track down the culprits.
The investigation revealed that the theft had been orchestrated by Martins’ former personal assistant, Salaudeen Abdulbaki. Abdulbaki, who had previously resigned from his position, used a duplicated key and his knowledge of his former boss’s schedule to gain access to the property and steal the SUV. He also impersonated his boss by contacting the estate security guards using a SIM card purchased specifically for the operation, which he later destroyed. Abdulbaki was arrested at his hideout in Nasarawa, Abuja, and the stolen SUV was recovered. He confessed to masterminding the crime with the help of accomplices, admitting to facilitating the vehicle’s transportation to Nasarawa and Abuja.
The second suspect, 33-year-old Francis Istifanus, was arrested in connection with the theft and sale of industrial equipment worth over N39 million while working as a security guard at a warehouse in Ajah, Lagos. Istifanus confessed to stealing items including an industrial oven, Mitsubishi air conditioner, gas cooker, generator set, and other equipment, which were distributed to buyers across the country. He was apprehended at his hideout in Abuja, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the syndicate.
SP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, recognized for her outstanding investigation skills, received the Inspector General of Police (IGP) commendation during the Police Award and Commendation ceremony in April 2024. She was also honored as the “Investigative Officer of the Year 2024” by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
In a separate operation, a 36-year-old suspect, Ibrahim Babatunde, was arrested for cultism and illegal possession of firearms. Babatunde, an ex-convict and suspected member of the notorious EIYE confraternity, was apprehended following intelligence gathered by the police regarding his activities in the Ijoko-Ota and Sango areas of Ogun State. During the raid on his hideout in Sango-Ota, officers recovered two locally made single-barrel pistols and two live cartridges, which Babatunde admitted to purchasing from Benin Republic. He confessed to being a member of the EIYE confraternity, and efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplices.
AIG Adegoke’s actions reflect his commitment to eradicating crime and ensuring the safety of residents in Ogun and Lagos states, reinforcing the police force’s determination to maintain law and order across the region.