Police Arrest 10 Suspects for Impersonation and Forgery Syndicate in Ibadan
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have apprehended no fewer than ten suspects for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated syndicate specializing in impersonation and the large-scale forgery of official documents in Ibadan. The arrests were made following actionable intelligence that indicated a criminal group was operating from a hideout in the Ogunpa area of the city, producing counterfeit certificates, stamps, and various official papers.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrests
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday that operatives from the Command Monitoring Unit executed a swift and coordinated operation, resulting in the capture of the suspects. Those arrested include Mumini Akanbi (62), Quadri Muhammed (31), Salami Tajudeen (50), Oladipupo Hammed (45), Oladipupo Taiwo (40), Olorunosebi Kazzeem (42), Fatai Akanni (54), Alamu Kazeem (60), Olalekan Afeez (42), and Alex Olanrewaju (64).
Recovery of Incriminating Evidence
Following the arrests, search warrants were executed at the suspects' operational bases, leading to the recovery of several incriminating items. Among the items seized were a fake Police Character Certificate and stamps belonging to various authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, the Ogun State CID Eleweran Office, the Iyaganku Area Command, as well as stamps from multiple Divisional Police Officers, Oyo State Government ministries, commercial banks, and private organizations.
Preliminary Investigations and Confessions
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects are members of a well-organized syndicate deeply involved in the production and utilization of forged instruments for impersonation and other fraudulent activities. The suspects have confessed to their involvement and are currently providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations, according to the police statement.
Police Commissioner Commends Efforts
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response in dismantling the syndicate. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing timely and credible information that led to this significant breakthrough. The Commissioner urged residents to always follow due process when obtaining official documents to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police have stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe. This action reaffirms the command's unwavering commitment to tackling criminal activities and maintaining security within Oyo State.
