The Oye Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with residents of Trinity Hostel along Egbe Road, Oye-Ekiti, has arrested a notorious motorcycle thief identified as Bernard Shadrach.
Ekiti News reports that the suspect was apprehended while attempting to snatch a motorcycle from a commercial rider.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abutu Sunday, the suspect and his fleeing partner were specialized in snatching motorcycles from innocent motorcyclists within Oye-Ekiti.
However, their luck ran out on April 25, 2024, when they disguised themselves as passengers going to Trinity Hostel along Egbe Road, Oye-Ekiti.
The suspect and his fleeing accomplice boarded the motorcycle and, at a point, forcefully asked the motorcyclist to stop. They then attacked him with dry, ground pepper and a hammer. Fortunately, the motorcyclist was able to subdue them with the assistance of passersby and arrested one while the other managed to escape.
In the course of further investigation, two commercial motorcycle riders, who earlier reported cases of stolen motorcycles at the Police Headquarters in Oye Ekiti, identified the suspect as one of the two-man gang that snatched their motorcycles on April 2 and 22, respectively.
According to the police PRO, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and claimed that the fleeing suspect was his leader in the unlawful business of snatching motorcycles. He further stated that they both relocated from Benin City, Edo State, and started the unlawful business in November 2023.