The Federal Road Safety Corps has arrested suspected members of a phone theft gang and “one chance” syndicate and recovered a stolen mobile phone during an operation in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This was disclosed in a statement published on the official Facebook page of FRSC Nigeria on Tuesday.
According to the statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the suspects were intercepted by an FRSC patrol team conducting routine operations along the Babalegba–Eleyele–Ojoo corridor in the early hours of Monday.
The Corps said officers became suspicious after noticing a motorcycle rider pursuing a Nissan Micra vehicle with registration number AJW 903XE. A female passenger subsequently raised an alarm that her mobile phone had been stolen while inside the vehicle.
“Acting swiftly, the patrol team stopped the vehicle and commenced preliminary interrogation,” the statement said.
According to the FRSC, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Idowu Mukaila, allegedly claimed he could facilitate the recovery of the stolen device.
The Corps further stated that, “Shortly thereafter, another individual arrived and produced the stolen device, raising further suspicion of an organised criminal operation.”
Following the incident, the matter was reported to the appropriate authorities and the suspects were taken in for further investigation.
The statement disclosed that officials of the Park Management System, Oyo State Drivers’ Union, later informed the Corps that both the driver and the vehicle had been under surveillance over allegations of involvement in phone theft and “one chance” robbery activities in Ibadan.
According to the FRSC, “Following interrogation by the Sector Commander and Deputy Corps Commander Operations, the case was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Eleyele Division, for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.”
The Corps said the arrest highlights the importance of vigilance among patrol operatives and collaboration between security agencies.
“The incident underscores the critical role of FRSC patrol operatives in enhancing road safety and supporting security efforts through vigilance, rapid response and collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.
The FRSC also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.