Suspected Motorcycle Thief F0rced To Drink Po!sonous Substance By Residents In Ogun

A suspected motorcycle thief, identified as Timothy Ashamu, is receiving medical treatment after three residents allegedly forced him to drink a poisonous substance believed to be Gamaline at Oke-Odan, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident reportedly occurred at a farm in the community, following allegations that Ashamu was involved in motorcycle theft.

The Ogun State Police Command, in a statement on Monday, disclosed that Ashamu had earlier been accused of robbing one Adetunji Vincent of his Bajaj motorcycle along Agosu Road, Oke-Odan, in October.

Police investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles, using weapons such as hammers, sticks and cutlasses to dispossess his victims.

However, the suspect allegedly suffered a reprisal attack when three individuals confronted him at a farm and forced him to ingest a substance suspected to be Gamaline.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, said officers attached to the Owode-Yewa Division promptly launched a rescue operation after receiving information about the incident.

Ashamu was subsequently taken to a hospital in Owode-Yewa, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care.

Following information provided by the victim, detectives tracked and arrested one Abiodun Oniyide, popularly known as Aje Alaje, in Ihunbo.

The victim reportedly identified Oniyide as one of those involved in forcing the poisonous substance down his throat.

A container suspected to have contained Gamaline was also recovered by the police as an exhibit.

The police said Oniyide remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the attack.

The command added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the police cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, emphasising that allegations of criminal activity do not justify torture, assault or attempted murder.