A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ilesa has sentenced two men to one year imprisonment each for stealing iron rods from a federal road construction site along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway.
The conviction marks another success in the ongoing efforts of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, to protect public infrastructure and combat criminal activities across the state.
The convicts, Damilare Oladunjoye and Azeez Ibironke, were found guilty of stealing construction materials belonging to a federal road project and were subsequently sentenced by Magistrate Adedokun Ayeni of Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division.
The conviction followed their arrest by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps during a routine midnight patrol on June 1, 2026.
According to the prosecution, vigilant Amotekun operatives spotted the two suspects riding a motorcycle while transporting iron rods concealed in a sack along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway. Their suspicious movement at the late hour attracted the attention of the patrol team, which immediately intercepted them.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the iron rods had been stolen from a construction site handling one of the Federal Government’s major road projects in the area. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted they had previously stolen construction materials from the same site on several occasions.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before the court on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and unlawful possession of stolen property, contrary to the laws of Osun State.
After reviewing the evidence presented and hearing the case, Magistrate Ayeni found both defendants guilty as charged and sentenced them to one year imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
Legal observers noted that the judgement reflects the judiciary’s determination to discourage theft and vandalism of public assets, particularly materials designated for critical infrastructure projects.
Reacting to the conviction, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, commended the professionalism, vigilance and swift response of the operatives who carried out the arrest.
He explained that the stolen iron rods formed part of materials earmarked for a major federal road construction project and were worth several millions of naira.
The Corps Commander stressed that the successful prosecution demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ensuring that criminals are not only arrested but also brought before the law to face the consequences of their actions.
“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,” he stated.
He further applauded the judiciary for the prompt handling of the matter, describing the judgement as a positive development in the collective fight against crime and economic sabotage.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that the theft of construction materials from public projects not only causes significant financial losses, but also delays project completion, increases construction costs and undermines developmental efforts.
The latest conviction is being viewed as another success in the growing collaboration between security agencies and the judiciary in ensuring accountability for crimes affecting public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Osun Amotekun Corps has renewed its appeal to residents across the state to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can help prevent crime and facilitate the arrest of offenders.
The agency assured members of the public that it would continue to intensify patrols and surveillance operations across communities, highways and strategic government installations to maintain peace, security and public safety throughout Osun State
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