A dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army has been arrested by the police for motorcycle theft and impersonation as a soldier in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.
The crime was committed when the suspect, adorning the military uniform has approached one Adegboyega Sunday (M) of Oba’s Compound, Ijeru Area, Ogbomosho to purchase an unregistered Lifan “Phoon Lady” motorcycle which was advertised for sale on Facebook.
The suspect was said to have made away with the motorcycle after collecting the keys, under the pretense of testing it.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said through intelligence-led policing, the operative leveraged technological know-how to lure the suspect to a restaurant in Ilorin, where he was apprehended.
He added that upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the motorcycle and disclosed that he was dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation, adding that the stolen motorcycle has been recovered, and relevant exhibits are secured in Lagos State, where the suspect took the motorcycle to.
Olayinka said, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a reported motorcycle theft in Ogbomosho, who also impersonated a soldier to commit the crime.
“The case was reported by Adegboyega Sunday (M) of Oba’s Compound, Ijeru Area, Ogbomosho.
“He stated that on 15/12/2025, he listed his unregistered Lifan “Phoon Lady” motorcycle for sale on Facebook and was subsequently contacted by an individual expressing interest in purchasing it.
Olayinka said, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a reported motorcycle theft in Ogbomosho, who also impersonated a soldier to commit the crime.
“The case was reported by Adegboyega Sunday (M) of Oba’s Compound, Ijeru Area, Ogbomosho.
“He stated that on 15/12/2025, he listed his unregistered Lifan “Phoon Lady” motorcycle for sale on Facebook and was subsequently contacted by an individual expressing interest in purchasing it.
“During the arranged meeting on 16/12/2025 at 1600hrs, the suspect, later identified as Lance Corporal Olabamiji Samson (NA: 356241/16), presented himself in uniform and gained the complainant’s trust.
“He collected the motorcycle key under the pretense of testing the vehicle but instead left with the motorcycle.
“Through intelligence-led policing, the operative leveraged technological know-how to lure the suspect to a restaurant in Ilorin, where he was apprehended.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the motorcycle and disclosed that he was dismissed personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, commended the operatives for their dedication and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his guidance in the fight against crime.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation. The stolen motorcycle has been recovered, and relevant exhibits are secured in Lagos State.
(The Nation)
