The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service has apprehended a 25-year-old former convict, Yusuf Olabode, along with two other suspects, Idowu Abiola and Olumide, for alleged theft in Ogun State.
The arrests occurred in the Brewery and Olomore areas of the state.
During a press conference on Thursday, the Command’s Deputy Commander, Fafore Abiodun, revealed that the suspects are part of a gang involved in vandalizing government and private infrastructure, theft, assault, and intimidating law-abiding citizens.
Olabode, an ex-convict from Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, was caught while vandalizing cable wires at a Celestial Church of Christ in Ita Oshin.
He had previously been imprisoned in 2020 for stealing borehole equipment and has since turned to stealing items like bags, phones, cables, and iron.
Olabode explained, “I was arrested while stealing wires from a Celestial Church of Christ at Ita Oshin. If I steal plenty, I can sell it for ten to fifteen thousand naira. Since I came back from Ibara prison, I have stolen more than four times. I went to prison in 2020 for stealing a borehole. I spent 2 years and 8 months. I also steal people’s phones and bags, but I’m not among those who rape; it is the other guys, and our operation site is Brewery. However, I have a knife which I use to scare victims.”
Deputy Commander further noted that the suspects have a history of attacking and murdering their victims, disposing of their bodies in the Ogun River. The suspects will be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Abiodun also appealed to the state governor, relevant stakeholders, and President Bola Tinubu to support the signing of the Hunter’s Bill into law.
This legislation, reintroduced by the House of Representatives, aims to bolster security efforts by empowering the NHFSS to combat kidnappers more effectively.
The Bill had been passed during the 9th National Assembly but was not signed by the previous President Muhammadu Buhari.
