Police arrest two members of phone and motorcycle snatching criminal gang in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two members of an interstate criminal gang specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles from residents. 

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 said preliminary investigations link the gang to criminal activities across Oyo, Osun, and Lagos states. 

“The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a criminal gang specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.

"The arrests followed credible intelligence that prompted police operatives to raid a residence in the Onirerin–Mokola area of Ibadan.

"The operation led to the arrest of Timilehin Idowu, male, 23, and Kudus Agoeo, male, 25. Their apprehension represents a significant step in the Command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in street robbery and motorcycle snatching within the Ibadan metropolis and beyond.

"During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles. 

"They further disclosed that they operate as a three-man gang, using a motorcycle to carry out their criminal activities within the Ibadan metropolis and in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

"Beyond their operational methods, the suspects also provided useful information indicating that the gang’s activities extend across Oyo, Osun and Lagos states. They further supplied information about other individuals connected to the criminal network, including those involved in the disposal of stolen items.

"Building on these disclosures, investigators are pursuing available leads to verify the information obtained, identify and apprehend other members of the gang, and recover stolen property. 

"The suspects are cooperating with investigators, while investigations remain ongoing.

"As the investigation progresses, the Command is intensifying efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network and ensure that all individuals found culpable are brought to justice. 

"The arrested suspects remain in police custody in connection with the investigation.

"The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the sustained fight against criminal activities. 

"He appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and urges residents to provide credible and actionable information that can assist the Police in preventing and detecting crime.

“The Oyo State Police Command assures residents that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to protect lives and property, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain peace and security across the state.”