The Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a syndicate allegedly involved in forging official documents, stamps and certificates of various government and private organisations, following a raid on their hideout in the Ogunpa area of Ibadan.
The Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrests were made through coordinated intelligence-led operations by police operatives.
Those arrested were identified as Mumini Akanbi, Quadri Muhammed, Salami Tajudeen, Oladipupo Hammed, Oladipupo Taiwo, Olorunosebi Kazzeem, Fatai Akanni, Alamu Kazeem, Olalekan Afeez and Alex Olanrewaju.
He added that search warrants were executed at the suspects’ operational bases, leading to the recovery of several incriminating items.
“These include a printed fake Police Character Certificate, Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stamps, Ogun State CID Eleweran Office stamp, Iyaganku Area Command Office stamp, various Divisional Police Officer office stamps, Oyo State Government stamps from different ministries and departments, stamps of different commercial banks, as well as stamps belonging to several private organizations.
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“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects are members of a well-organized syndicate engaged in the production and use of forged instruments for the purpose of impersonation.
“All suspects have confessed to their involvement in the criminal enterprise and are currently providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, commends the operatives involved in the successful operation for their professionalism, diligence, and swift response to actionable intelligence.
“He further appreciates members of the public for their continuous support, accurate and timely information, and cooperation with the Police, which remain vital to effective policing and crime control in the State.”
The command however reiterated that investigation is still ongoing, and all suspects will be duly charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“Members of the public are also strongly advised to always follow due process and make use of appropriate and official channels when obtaining public documents, certificates, and other sensitive instruments in order to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and impersonators.
“The Command remains fully committed to ridding the State of all forms of criminality and urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to collaborate with security agencies in the collective effort to sustain peace and security.”
