Ogun Police raise alarm over motorcyclists using tinted helmets, arrest nine

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

The Ogun State police command said it has began crackdown on individuals who wear unauthorised helmets, mostly tinted reflective helmets saying that these individuals usually pose as commercial motorcyclists to rob unsuspecting passengers.

According to statement from the Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, the police said It has become increasingly common for these criminals to wrap bandanas around their faces, leaving only their eyes visible, while wearing the unauthorized helmets as a disguise. This mode of dressing usually assists the criminals to conceal their identities and carry out their illegal activities.

The statement disclosed further that as a response to this growing trend, the police have successfully arrested nine riders who were found to be using these illegal methods to conceal their identities.

These suspects were said to be currently undergoing interrogation at the Ijebu Ode Police Station. Among them are Joseph Itodo, Johnson Joseph, Ugwu Samson, Osinowo Seyi, and five others who were unable to provide a reasonable explanation for wearing unauthorized helmets and masking their faces with bandanas.

The Police urge passengers to exercise caution by conducting identity checks on motorcycle riders before getting on board. This precaution is said to be essential to avoid falling into the bobby traps of kidnappers and robbers targeting unsuspecting victims adding that It is crucial for passengers to be vigilant, especially when dealing with fully masked riders.

The police promised to continue to provide updates and disseminate information to the public regarding this new trend while seeking to unravel the extent of this issue and further crackdown on those involved in such criminal activities.