By Dosu Deborah Oluwatimilehin (SIWES student, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa)
In a startling revelation, Ifawamide Ayo, a robbery suspect arrested by the police, confessed to joining an armed robbery gang after meeting an inmate at Agodi Correctional Centre.
Ayo, initially hesitant, succumbed to the influence of his fellow inmate, leading to his involvement in criminal activities.
Ayo’s desperation for quick money, compounded by promises from a released inmate named Akube (Senior), drove him to join the gang.
Charged with possession of criminal charms, Ayo found himself unable to meet bail conditions, setting the stage for his descent into the world of armed robbery.
Presented to the press on December 29, 2022, alongside three other suspects, Ayo and his associates were part of a larger group of 38 criminals apprehended by the Oyo State Police.
The suspects, including Abubakar Saheed, Abdullahi Fatai, and Olukunle Toheeb, faced charges ranging from motorcycle theft to breaking into pharmacies and stealing items.
The group’s criminal activities reached a peak on November 1, 2022, when they allegedly invaded a residence in Ogbere neighborhood, Ibadan.
Armed with guns and machetes, the gang threatened residents, making off with cash, jewelry, and other valuables. The incident is under investigation, with one suspect, Akube, still at large.
During the probe, it was uncovered that Toheeb, known for his wire wire operation, exploited an unlocked phone to transfer money from the victim’s bank account.
Ayo disclosed that the robbery involved several individuals, hinting at a larger organized crime group operating in the area.
The police, commended for their efforts, urged the public to cooperate in combating crime, emphasizing the importance of securing phones to prevent unauthorized transactions.
