This is not my First Time, I Don’t Know What’s Wrong with Me,” Suspected Tricycle Thief Confesses

A 42-year-old tricycle rider, Ariyo (surname withheld), confesses to stealing tricycle parts from his colleagues, citing covetousness as the driving force behind his criminal acts. The apprehension was made possible by the Oluyole Security Surveillance Team (OSST), a security group established by the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Ariyo, an Ibadan native from a well-known household, married with two children, disclosed that he conspired with his friend, Muyideen (surname also withheld) alias Kesari, to carry out the theft operation. Kesari, however, denies any involvement in the crime, asserting his innocence in the situation.

The OSST Commandant, Olusegun Idowu, detailed the events leading to the suspects’ arrest. On July 18, a report was received regarding the theft of a tricycle with registration number LUY 236 Q. Despite initial unsuccessful attempts to locate the stolen tricycle, a breakthrough occurred on July 23 when a rider noticed a tricycle resembling the stolen one at Owode area. Further investigations revealed that Ariyo was selling engine parts, leading to the discovery of the stolen tricycle’s body with missing components.

The commandant shared that intelligence gathering exposed Kesari’s involvement, indicating that he provided Ariyo with the tricycle in question. Ariyo, in an interview, admitted to previous thefts, including stealing all the tires from a tricycle to feed his family. He explained that covetousness motivated his actions, leading him to alter engine numbers to conceal the stolen parts.

Kesari, a 38-year-old tricycle repairer, denied participating in the engine theft plot. He claimed to have given a tricycle to Ariyo on an installment basis for commercial purposes. The OSST commandant confirmed that both suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Sanyo Division for further police investigation.

This shocking revelation has left the community stunned as authorities work to uncover the extent of the theft ring and ensure justice is served.