The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, has arrested two men in separate incidents involving the alleged theft of aluminium window frames, iron pots and a power bank in Ifo and Ado-Odo/Ota local government areas of Ogun State.
The suspects, identified as 35-year-old Hamed Isaa Afolabi and 21-year-old Adebayo Pelumi, were arrested on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, respectively, following interventions by community members and security operatives.
In a statement issued by the State Commander of the Corps, Soji Ganzallo, and made available by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adegunwa Adegbuyi, the first suspect was apprehended at Okungbolu town in Ifo Local Government Area while allegedly removing aluminium sliding window frames from an uncompleted building.
The statement said community members, who had been monitoring the property following previous incidents of theft, reportedly noticed the suspect’s movements and apprehended him before taking him to the Onireke Divisional Headquarters of the Corps at about 9:30am.
During interrogation, Afolabi allegedly confessed to removing the window frames, claiming he had chosen the bushy location because he believed he would not be noticed. He reportedly intended to sell the materials to scrap dealers to make money.
The caretaker and agent of the building, Chief Sopetie, said the property had suffered repeated thefts involving window frames, glass and other fittings. He disclosed that the building had about 17 windows and one door, adding that several fittings had been removed by unknown persons.
Following preliminary investigations, the suspect and recovered exhibits were transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Lemode Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, So-Safe Corps arrested a 21-year-old plumber, Adebayo Pelumi, over the alleged theft of two iron pots used by caterers and a power bank with its charger in Iyesi, Ota.
According to the statement, officers of the Canaan City Division apprehended Pelumi around Abiola Gas Line, Iyesi, on Sunday, October 18, following efforts to locate him over an alleged theft case reported from Arobi Eye.
The statement said officers received information about the suspect’s whereabouts while on routine patrol. Although he was initially sighted on a motorcycle, the operatives reportedly lost sight of him before conducting a search of the surrounding area.
The two iron pots were subsequently recovered, while the suspect was later discovered hiding in the area. He allegedly attempted to escape by jumping over several fences but was eventually arrested.
Other items reportedly recovered included two Android mobile phones, a phone charger, an OPay ATM card, a voter’s card, two MTN SIM cards, different bunches of keys and several receipts bearing no name identifying the suspect.
The suspect and the recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Onipanu Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and appropriate action.
The State Commander commended the vigilance and cooperation of residents whose actions contributed to the arrests, urging members of the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Ganzallo also reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and property, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands or subjecting suspected offenders to mob justice.
He urged communities to hand over arrested suspects to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
