Motorcycle theft: One dies, another hospitalized as youths lynch suspects in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of one John Udoh who was reportedly beaten to death over alleged theft in the Sagamu area of the state.

Udoh, who is a member of a five-man armed robbery gang, had allegedly broken into the
home of one Emeka Ruben, stealing his Lifan rubber motorbike valued at N1.2 million.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Friday, said Udoh was caught alongside 22 years old Peter Ubong.

Odutola noted that the suspects who invaded Atayo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, were caught by the youths following a distress call from the victim.

She said, “On October 18, 2024, at about 7:20hrs the CDA Chairman of the Atayo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, Ogun State, reported via phone that a group of thieves invaded the community around 2:00 AM.

“They broke into the home of one Emeka Ruben, stealing his Lifan rubber motorbike valued at N1.2 million.

“Upon hearing his cries for help, at midnight, several youths intervened by moving into the victim’s residence, apprehending one Peter Ubong, a 22-year-old from Cross River, and John Udoh, along with their operational motorcycle with registration number SGM 387 WB.”

Odutola stated that the three other suspects
named Adaka, Stepen and Jerssy escaped with the stolen motorcycle.

The police publicist noted that the suspects confessed being responsible for the theft of 15 solar streetlights previously stolen from the community, as well as two other motorcycles.

She disclosed that the suspects were severely beaten by the mob.

Following the beating, Ubong is currently hospitalized, while Udoh was declared dead by doctors at OOUTH Sagamu, where his body was subsequently deposited in the hospital morgue.

“They provided the names of their accomplices involved in the crime in Ajaka, a part of the Sagamu division, and admitted to committing other burglaries in the Sagamu area.”

She added investigation is ongoing and the Command is working to ensure the apprehension of the named suspects.