Operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, have arrested a notorious ex-convict, Paul James, for allegedly stealing motorcycles within the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the State Commander of the Corps, Commander (Dr) Soji Ganzallo, through the office of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf, the suspect was apprehended by officers of the Oke-Ogun Area Command while on routine patrol along Igbo-Ora Road.
The 32-year-old suspect, who resides at 32 Fayegbami Street, Ileese-Awo, Abeokuta, reportedly gave himself away through suspicious conduct that prompted officers to request proof of ownership for the motorcycle he was riding. He claimed he was going to fetch the documents but never returned.
The Corps later traced him to Idi-Ori in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, where another unregistered motorcycle was found in his possession. He reportedly confessed to stealing both motorcycles from Abule-Ilede in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where his mother lives.
The Corps also arrested his accomplice, Alex Emmanuel, 31, of 16 Surulere Street, Ileese-Awo, Abeokuta. Investigations revealed Emmanuel’s involvement in selling the stolen motorcycles to buyers.
“During interrogation, the suspect, Paul James, admitted to several past incidents of motorbike theft,” Commander Ganzallo disclosed. “He confessed to stealing one in 2019 at Tobolo and selling it at Ita-Oshin, and another in 2013 at Ologun Eru Area of Ibadan, which he sold to a friend.”
Items recovered from the suspects include two unregistered Bajaj motorcycles, one itel Android phone, and two small phones—all allegedly stolen from the Ibarapa North area.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Zonal Dragon Tactical Team of the Nigeria Police Force at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta for further investigation and possible prosecution.
