The Ekiti State Police Command has recently apprehended an individual named Babatunde Olaoluwa, who has been involved in the theft of phones from worship centers. The arrest took place following an incident at Christ Apostolic Church in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, where Olaoluwa stole seven mobile phones belonging to different individuals.
According to a statement issued by DSP Sunday Abutu, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Olaoluwa, who operates as a solo offender, had been deliberately targeting worship centers to carry out his thefts. He gained access to the church premises by posing as a member and carefully observed the worshippers. Taking advantage of the atmosphere of praise and worship, he managed to abscond with seven phones.
During interrogation, Olaoluwa confessed to his modus operandi, admitting to committing similar thefts in other churches located in Oye and Ayegbaju-Ekiti. Specifically, he mentioned having stolen numerous phones from the Redeemed Christian Church of God and New Reality Christian Center in Oye-Ekiti.
Investigations revealed that after successfully stealing the phones, the suspect would send them to Lagos through a motor park. Once in Lagos, a friend of his would assist in selling the stolen devices, and the proceeds would be sent back to Olaoluwa through online transfers.
The police have recovered the seven phones stolen during Olaoluwa’s latest operation at Christ Apostolic Church, Ayegbaju-Ekiti. Some of the victims have come forward and positively identified both the suspect and their stolen phones.
The police are currently finalizing their investigation, and once concluded, Olaoluwa will be appropriately charged and arraigned in court.