Oyo State Police Arrest Two Over Alleged Diversion of Goods Worth ₦32 Million in Transit

…Intelligence-led operation in Oyo Town leads to arrests and recovery of stolen agricultural produce

Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected goods diversion syndicate and arrested two suspects in a major operation aimed at protecting commercial activities and tackling economic crimes across the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, says operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acted on credible intelligence to raid a hideout in the Irepo area of Oyo Town, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Olawale Kareem, aged 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, aged 46.

The police said the operation also led to the recovery of an IVECO truck and trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY, loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn allegedly diverted while being transported from Kaduna State and recovered goods are valued at about thirty-two million naira.

The statement further stated that the
preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the suspects are members of a criminal syndicate involved in diverting goods in transit for illegal financial gain.

The command added that the suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional diverted goods linked to the operation.

While commending the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response to credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and legitimate commercial activities across the state.

He also warned those involved in economic sabotage and other criminal acts to desist or face the full weight of the law.

The police command further appealed to transporters, logistics operators, business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the appropriate security channels, assuring residents that it remains committed to denying criminal elements any safe haven in Oyo State.