Suspect Who Stole Motorcycle During Prayers Hit by Speeding Vehicle While Trying to Escape

A man identified as Abdullahi Kasolayo, a 36-year-old bricklayer from the Oko-Olowo area of Ilorin, has been arraigned before a magistrate court for allegedly stealing a motorcycle while its owner was observing prayers at the mosque. The suspect is facing charges of criminal trespass, mischief, and theft under Sections 342, 327, and 287 of the Penal Code.

According to the Police First Information Report, the motorcycle, a Bajaj with engine number DUZWEH57763, was stolen on March 26, 2025, from where it was parked in front of the owner’s house. The complainant, Salman Tunde, had reported the incident to the anti-kidnapping squad at the police headquarters in Ilorin after returning from the mosque to find his motorcycle missing.

Efforts to recover the motorcycle initially proved futile until the following morning, when a resident, identified as Taofeeq, spotted the stolen bike abandoned beside the road in the Oko-Olowo area. During police interrogation, Kasolayo reportedly confessed to stealing the motorcycle and disclosed that he had been knocked down by a vehicle while attempting to flee with it. He was subsequently taken to the hospital by a good Samaritan and treated for serious head injuries, including two surgeries.

The case is being prosecuted by Adebayo Thomas, while Barrister Toyin Onaolapo is representing the defendant. Magistrate N.T. Ahmed granted Kasolayo bail to allow him continue medical treatment and adjourned the case to May 7, 2025.