‘Whenever We Got to Where We Could Attack, I’d Get Down and Pretend as if I Wanted to Pay’ — Suspect

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, July 25, 2026, a suspected armed robber, Aliu, has confessed to how he and an accomplice allegedly posed as passengers before attacking commercial motorcyclists and stealing their motorcycles in Oyo and Osun states.

The suspect was arrested alongside his alleged accomplice, Toheeb, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Oyo State Police Command. Police said the duo allegedly carried out a series of motorcycle robberies across parts of Ibadan, Oyo Town, and Iwo in Osun State, using a shortened pestle concealed in a sack to overpower their victims before making away with their motorcycles.

According to him, “I was arrested because my gang member, Toheeb, and I used to dispossess motorcyclists of their bikes while armed. Our mode of operation was to flag down a motorcyclist and ask to be taken to a destination. I would sit directly behind the rider while Toheeb would be at my back. Whenever we got to the targeted spot where we could attack, I would get down and pretend as if I wanted to pay. At that time, Toheeb would pull out the pestle kept in the bag he was holding and smash it on the rider’s neck.”

Aliu also admitted that the idea of using a pestle as a weapon came from an experience in which he was previously attacked in a similar manner. He claimed that he adopted the tactic because it enabled the gang to overpower victims quickly before escaping with the stolen motorcycles.Achieve Your Desires. (In Your Undertakings) Business world. Career. Private or government work. Selection/approval. Elevation/ promotion. Leadership position. Power of command. Leadership tussle. People/crowd. Favor in high places. Breakthrough. Etc. Quick results without blemish. A trial is enough to convince you. For spiritual consultation, guidance, solutions, call/Whatsapp Dr. J.A. Faros on 07030514063. Unlimited power of God.

Police investigations further revealed that the suspects allegedly sold the stolen motorcycles to buyers after each operation. Detectives also traced financial transactions between the suspects and some of the buyers, while investigators alleged that proceeds from the robberies were used to operate gas stations as a cover for their activities.

The police said Aliu had previously served a prison term at the Ilaro Custodial Centre in Ogun State. Investigators further alleged that the gang carried out more than 10 robbery operations each month, with most of the attacks reportedly succeeding until their arrest. Authorities said investigations are continuing to identify other individuals connected to the alleged criminal network.See more