On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Osun Amotekun Secures Conviction of Two Iron Rod Thieves; Court Sentences Duo to One Year Imprisonment
The Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps has recorded another significant success in its efforts to protect public infrastructure and combat criminal activities across the state, following the conviction and sentencing of two individuals for stealing iron rods from a federal road construction site along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway.
The convicted persons, Damilare Oladunjoye and Azeez Ibironke, were sentenced to one year imprisonment by Magistrate Adedokun Ayeni of Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, after being found guilty of stealing iron rods belonging to a road construction project on the Ibadan-Ilesa Expressway.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps during a routine midnight patrol on June 1, 2026, along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway. The patrol team observed the duo riding a motorcycle while transporting stolen iron rods concealed inside a sack bag. Upon sighting the Amotekun patrol vehicle, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly pursued and arrested by the operatives.
During preliminary investigations, both suspects confessed to stealing the iron rods from the construction site. They further admitted that the crime was not their first involvement in the theft of construction materials from the project.
According to their confessional statements, they had previously stolen iron rods from the same site and sold them to a scrap dealer for the sum of ₦35,000 for any of their operations, which they shared among themselves.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the suspects were arraigned before Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, on June 2, 2026, by the Legal Adviser of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Barrister Oyedele Akintayo, on a three-count charge bordering on stealing, contrary to the laws of Osun State.
After hearing the matter, the court found the defendants guilty and sentenced them to one year imprisonment. The sentences are to run concurrently, serving as a deterrent to other individuals who may contemplate engaging in similar criminal acts.
Reacting to the judgment, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in the arrest. He noted that the stolen iron rods were part of materials designated for a major federal government road construction project and were valued at several millions of naira.
The Corps Commander emphasized that the successful arrest and prosecution demonstrate the agency's unwavering commitment to safeguarding government assets and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice. He also praised the judiciary for its prompt handling of the case and the sentence imposed on the offenders.
According to him, “The conviction of these offenders sends a strong message that criminal activities, particularly the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure, will not be tolerated in Osun State. We remain committed to working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and government investments across the state.”
The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterated its appeal to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that will assist security agencies in combating crime and maintaining peace and order throughout the state.
Signed:
CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass
Public Relations Officer
Osun Amotekun Corps
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