The Kwara State Police Command has paraded 11 suspected criminals at the police headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspected criminals paraded by the state commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, on Thursday included a notorious interstate phone thief, kidnappers and armed robbers.
Olaiya said one of the suspects, Shola Samuel, confessed to be a lone phone thief with the modus operandi of breaking into residences at night.
He said that the suspect, who travelled from Moniya area of the Akinyele local government area of Oyo State to Ilorin, Kwara State to steal phones, was tracked and arrested by detectives of the command.
“This arrest was made possible through the diligent tracking of a Samsung Galaxy A71 handset reported stolen on February 16, 2024, in GRA Ilorin.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his modus operandi, specialising in breaking into residences at night while occupants are sleep, searching for handsets and other valuable items.
"He further divulged that Soji Akinola, residing in Abuja, was the recipient of these stolen phones.
“Subsequently, seven assorted phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A71, were recovered from the suspect. All recovered handsets have been identified by their respective owners. Notably, the suspect conducted a raid on Meduku Street, Sango Area, Ilorin, on April 11, 2024, where he stole six assorted handsets.
“Shola Adigun Samuel confessed to being a lone operator from Ibadan. Efforts are currently underway to track down the receiver in Abuja. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
The State Commissioner also revealed that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state and that during interrogation, all the suspect admitted committing the crimes.
He explained that the suspects have led investigators to their hideout where incriminating exhibits including fire arms and criminal charms were recovered.
The commissioner noted that all the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded for prosecution.
While warning criminal elements to turn a new leaf or stay away from the state, he reiterated the Command's commitment to continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum.
Mr. Olaiya appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.