Police Arrest 64-Year-Old, Woman Over Alleged ₦12m Diesel Theft In Ibadan
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has foiled an alleged diesel theft operation in Ibadan, arresting two suspects and recovering about 10,000 litres of diesel valued at ₦12 million.
The suspects, Yusuf Mutiyat, 43, and Ogunniyan Rasheed, 64, were apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit at Kopek Construction Company.
Confirming the development in a statement made available to journalists, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation followed credible intelligence and the timely cooperation of members of the public.
“Acting on credible intelligence and with the timely cooperation of members of the public, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit apprehended Yusuf Mutiyat (43) and Ogunniyan Rasheed (64) at Kopek Construction Company while they were siphoning a liquid substance suspected to be diesel from a mixer truck,” he stated.
Ayanlade added that a subsequent search led to the recovery of 24 barrels, each containing 240 litres of the suspected diesel, amounting to approximately 10,000 litres, with an estimated value of ₦12,000,000.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, commended the operatives for their professionalism and vigilance.
“The professionalism, vigilance and operational discipline demonstrated by our operatives in this case are highly commendable. Their swift response prevented further economic loss and reinforces our resolve to combat all forms of criminality within the state,” the Commissioner said.
He also praised the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that his strategic direction continues to strengthen policing operations nationwide.
“The exemplary leadership and strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police continue to strengthen policing operations across the country and provide the foundation for successes such as this,” he added.
Haruna further acknowledged the role played by residents in the success of the operation.
“We sincerely appreciate the vigilance and timely intelligence provided by members of the public. Community partnership remains a critical pillar in our collective fight against crime,” he said.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the alleged theft and identify possible accomplices.
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing actionable intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
Post Views: 40