By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two suspects for separate crimes involving theft, impersonation, and fraud.

One of the suspects, Solomon Shina, a 28-year-old resident of Ijala Street, Arakale, Akure, was apprehended on January 24, 2025 for allegedly stealing a 2014 Toyota Hilux van belonging to his friend, Ojo Olumuyiwa Anthony.

Shina, who falsely claimed to be a military officer with the 32 Brigade Artillery, Owena Cantonment, reportedly took the vehicle without the owner’s consent for an undisclosed mission.

He later returned to inform his friend that the vehicle had been stolen.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that Shina had never been enlisted in the Nigerian Army, casting doubt on his entire story.

His statements regarding the timeline of events were riddled with inconsistencies, and further investigations are underway to determine whether he had accomplices and to recover the stolen vehicle, which official documents reveal belongs to the Ondo State Government.

In a separate case, 24-year-old Olotua Samuel of Odopo, Ijoka, Akure, was arrested on January 20, 2025 for stealing and criminal conversion.

Samuel, who worked as a waiter at Perry Bubbles Lodge, Ijoka, was caught diverting payments meant for the hotel into his personal bank account by altering the hotel’s stock ledger.

By the time of his arrest, he had stolen a total of ₦795,000.

The NSCDC has assured the public that both suspects will face prosecution according to the law.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commandant has issued a stern warning to all criminal elements in the state, urging them to desist from illegal activities or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.