The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 27-years-old suspected member of a gang that specializes in hijacking and diverting trucks laden with goods from the North to the southern part of the country.
The suspect, identified as Jolly Iyoha, who was arrested along Alakia area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, confessed to have committed the crime.
Parading the suspect at the command headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan at the weekend, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adewale Osifeso, said the trailer’s consignments were designated to a store in Akure, Ondo State from Kano State.
He said the suspect masterminded the sale of part of the goods to criminal receivers in Okene, in Kogi State and brought the remaining to Ibadan for his customers, rather than offloading the goods in Akure.
The police spokesman said the suspect was an escapee from Ondo and Osun states and was arrested in Oyo State.
“Upon arrest, the suspect was found in possession of 130 bags of rice valued at about N4,680,000 suspected to be stolen with preliminary investigations revealing that the trailer and consignments therein were designated to a store at Akure, Ondo State from Kano.
“The suspect was arrested along Alakia area of Ibadan and has confessed to the crime. He is presently assisting with the investigation. Updates would be provided accordingly,” he said.