Osogbo, November 12, 2024 — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has apprehended five individuals on allegations of illegal mining and another for theft in separate operations within the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo, the newly appointed NSCDC boss in Osun State, detailed the arrests. According to Commandant Sotiyo, the five individuals were arrested on November 8 by the Mines and Steel Unit of the command in Ilesa, a town notorious for mining activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, all originating from Kano, were conducting mining operations without the necessary legal documentation. Commandant Sotiyo emphasized that their actions violated Section 2 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which states: “No person shall engage in mining activities without a valid mining lease or permit.” He further cited Section 46 of the Act, which stipulates that violating these provisions constitutes an offense punishable under the law.
“These arrests are a testament to our commitment to combating illegal mining activities in Osun State, and we are determined to uphold the law to safeguard the state’s resources,” Commandant Sotiyo remarked.
In an unrelated case, the command also arrested 34-year-old Akeju Abiodun on charges of theft. The commandant disclosed that Abiodun had stolen N220,000 from the shop of a market trader, Mrs. Hammed, on November 4. He evaded capture at the time but was apprehended on November 11 when he attempted to steal a bag from another woman in the same market.
During interrogation, Abiodun admitted to the theft and revealed that he had used the stolen funds to purchase a variety of household items, including:
- A 26-inch mattress,
- A plasma television,
- A furniture cabinet,
- Two Android smartphones, among other items.
Commandant Sotiyo assured the public that all suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations. He also called on residents of Osun State to assist in crime prevention by sharing timely and actionable intelligence with security agencies.
“Security is everybody’s business. We urge the good people of Osun to provide proactive intelligence that can help us prevent crime and criminal activities, so we can serve you better,” Commandant Sotiyo concluded.
These arrests highlight the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in Osun State and underscore the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding public safety.
