In a continued effort to clamp down on rising motorcycle theft across southwestern Nigeria, the Osun State Police Command has arraigned three suspects before a magistrate court in Osogbo for allegedly stealing motorcycles in separate incidents.
The accused individuals—whose names were identified in court documents as Abdulahi Musa (25), Sunday Adewale (28), and Adebayo Kamal (31)—were brought before Magistrate A. Adeyemi on multiple charges ranging from conspiracy to theft of motorcycles valued at over ₦1 million.
According to the prosecuting officer, Inspector Kayode Adegoke, the trio was apprehended after a coordinated operation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), following reports from victims who claimed their commercial motorcycles had been stolen from various locations in the state capital.
> “The suspects conspired and unlawfully took possession of motorcycles belonging to innocent commercial riders. These actions violate Sections 516, 390(9), and 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State,” the prosecutor stated.
The charge sheet revealed that the thefts occurred between April 10 and May 12, with two of the motorcycles traced to garages in Ikirun and Ilesa, where they had allegedly been hidden for resale.
The suspects, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. Magistrate Adeyemi ordered that they be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Facility pending the determination of their bail application.
The case was adjourned to June 15, 2025, for hearing and possible commencement of trial.
This development comes amid growing public concern over motorcycle-related crimes in Osun, particularly in urban areas like Osogbo, Ede, and Ife, where okada theft has become increasingly common. Local security experts are calling for more robust surveillance, community policing, and swift judicial action to deter such crimes.
> “Motorcycles are essential to many livelihoods here, especially for youth and low-income earners. Protecting these assets must be a priority for law enforcement,” said Ayo Olatunji, a human rights advocate based in Osogbo.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that criminals are brought to justice and urged residents to report suspicious activities around motorcycle parks and repair garages.
Swifteradio.com
