NSCDC Osun Command Arrests Syndicate for Phone Theft, Fraud

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command has apprehended a syndicate involved in mobile phone theft and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement by ASC Kehinde Adeleke, the State Commandant, Michael Adaralewa, detailed the arrest, following a complaint from one of the syndicate’s victims whose phone had been stolen.

“Upon receiving her complaint, the command immediately took action, leading to the arrest of the syndicate members on July 1, 2024,” said Adaralewa.

A thorough investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Kayode Owoseni, had been convicted twice for similar offenses. During his confessional statement, Owoseni admitted to learning the art of pickpocketing from friends, with their base of operations at Oja Oba, Osogbo.

Another suspect, Adeshina Olasunkanmi, confessed to being part of a cult group known as “Eta Fraternity.” He revealed that the stolen phones were sold, but not before he used the phone’s Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card to call unsuspecting individuals, pretending to be an elderly man who had mistakenly dialed their numbers.

“In these conversations, he claimed to be an herbalist offering money rituals. Victims who fell for the scam sent him money for the supposed sacrifices, after which he destroyed the SIM cards to eliminate evidence,” Adaralewa explained.

Olasunkanmi further disclosed that he collaborated with a man referred to as “JEEGUN,” and together, they had been defrauding people of their hard-earned money for fifteen years.

Adaralewa emphasized that the suspects are facing charges of stealing, impersonation, fraud, and conspiracy to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. He assured residents of Osun State that the suspects would face the full extent of the law.

The Commandant also warned criminally minded individuals in the state to cease their activities or face severe consequences. He identified the suspects as Kayode Owoseni (35), a two-time ex-convict residing at Agbode Street, Oke Baale, Osogbo; Adeshina Olasunkanmi (42), a suspected cultist residing at Oke-Ayepe; and Kehinde Bankole (32), residing at Idi-Omo, Sabo Road, Osogbo, Osun State.