The Oyo State Police Command have arrested four suspects for allegedly stealing telecommunications power equipment.

The suspects were caught during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway. Police also recovered stolen solar batteries valued at about N8 million.

The suspects have been identified as Jimoh Mufutau, 35, from Ogun State; Saheed Akanbi, 34, from Lagos; Lateef Ibrahim, 37, also from Lagos; and Lukman Jimoh, 38, from Lagos. They were intercepted while travelling in an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 992 KH. Inside the vehicle, police found four hybrid solar batteries believed to have been stolen.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to stealing the equipment from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State. They were reportedly trying to transport the items to an unknown destination when they were caught. The vehicle and the recovered batteries have been taken into police custody as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, praised the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to the police to help fight crime.

The investigation is still ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities and to identify other members of the syndicate. The police have assured that the suspects will face the full weight of the law.

This arrest serves as a strong warning to those who vandalise and steal public infrastructure.