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The Ogun State Police Command has arrested one person and declared two others wanted for allegedly forcing a suspected motorcycle thief to drink a poisonous substance in an apparent act of jungle justice.
The incident occurred in Oke-Odan, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, where a 26-year-old man, Timothy Ashamu, who allegedly confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles from members of the public, became the victim of an alleged retaliatory attack.
The police said detectives swiftly intervened and rescued Ashamu, who was reportedly forced to ingest a substance suspected to be Gamaline.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the incident originated from a robbery allegation in October 2026, during which Ashamu allegedly dispossessed one Adetunji Vincent of his Bajaj motorcycle along Agosu Road, Oke-Odan.
Further police findings reportedly indicated that Ashamu confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles, using hammers, sticks and cutlasses to dispossess his victims.
However, the allegations against him took a disturbing turn when he was reportedly accosted at a farm in Oke-Odan by three individuals, who allegedly forced him to ingest a substance suspected to be Gamaline in an apparent act of retaliation.
Babaseyi said detectives attached to the Owode-Yewa Division, upon receiving the report, swiftly mobilised, rescued Ashamu and rushed him to a hospital in Owode-Yewa, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical attention.
Acting on information provided by the victim, the detectives proceeded to Ihunbo, where they arrested one Abiodun Oniyide, also known as Aje Alaje.
Ashamu subsequently identified Oniyide as one of those allegedly involved in forcing him to ingest the substance.
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A container suspected to have contained Gamaline was also recovered as an exhibit.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
The command said the case was being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for discreet investigation.
The police spokesman said the incident underscored the fundamental principle of professional policing that the protection of human life was not conditional on a person’s innocence or perceived character.
He stressed that even where a person was suspected of serious criminal offences, the law did not permit private individuals to determine or administer punishment.
“Criminality must be addressed through lawful arrest, investigation and prosecution, never through retaliation, torture or attempted murder.
“The swift intervention of the police in this instance reinforces the importance of professional policing and the protection of every life.
“The command urges residents to report criminal activities promptly and resist all forms of jungle justice and self-help.
“The police will protect a life, investigate a crime and pursue justice, irrespective of who is accused,” Babaseyi said.
