Oyo State Police Bust ₦12m Diesel Theft Ring in Ibadan

…As Two suspects arrested, 10,000 litres recovered at construction site

The Oyo State Police Command has intercepted two suspects over the alleged theft of diesel valued at ₦12 million at a construction site in Ibadan.

The suspects, identified as Yusuf Mutiyat, 43, and Ogunniyan Rasheed, 64, were arrested by operatives of the Command’s Monitoring Unit at Kopek Construction Company while allegedly siphoning liquid substance suspected to be diesel from a mixer truck.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the arrest followed credible intelligence and timely cooperation from members of the public.

“Acting on credible intelligence and with the timely cooperation of members of the public, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit intercepted the suspects at Kopek Construction Company, Ibadan, where they were engaged in siphoning liquid substances suspected to be diesel from a mixer truck,” the statement read.

The police said subsequent searches led to the recovery of 24 barrels of 240 litres each of substance suspected to be diesel, amounting to approximately 10,000 litres, with an estimated value of ₦12 million.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation.

He also lauded the leadership of the Kayode Egbetokun, noting that his vision and guidance continue to strengthen policing efforts across the country.

The Command further appreciated members of the public for providing timely and actionable intelligence that led to the swift interception of the suspects and recovery of the stolen items, thereby preventing further losses.

The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged theft and to identify other possible accomplices.

The Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information to curb criminal activities.