The Ogun State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old man, Timothy Ashamu, who was allegedly forced to ingest a poisonous substance in what detectives described as a retaliatory attack after he was accused of stealing motorcycles in Oke-Odan, Yewa South Local Government Area of the state.
Ashamu, who was reportedly accused of stealing more than three motorcycles from members of the public, was allegedly attacked by three individuals at a farm in Oke-Odan after he was accused of being involved in motorcycle theft.
According to the police, the incident was linked to an October 2026 robbery allegation involving one Adetunji Vincent, who reportedly lost his Bajaj motorcycle to Ashamu along Agosu Road, Oke-Odan.
Police findings further indicated that Ashamu allegedly confessed to stealing more than three motorcycles, reportedly using hammers, sticks and cutlasses to dispossess his victims.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the suspect was allegedly accosted at a farm by three persons who reportedly forced him to ingest a substance suspected to be Gamaline, apparently as an act of retaliation.
Following a report of the incident, detectives attached to the Owode-Yewa Division swiftly mobilised to the area, rescued Ashamu and rushed him to a hospital in Owode-Yewa for medical attention.
The police said the victim is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care.
Acting on information provided by Ashamu, the detectives proceeded to Ihunbo, where they arrested one Abiodun Oniyide, popularly known as Aje Alaje.
The police said Ashamu subsequently identified Oniyide as one of the individuals allegedly involved in administering the substance.
A container suspected to have contained the substance believed to be Gamaline was also recovered as an exhibit.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody, while detectives are making efforts to apprehend the other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The Command stressed that the allegations against Ashamu do not justify any form of extrajudicial punishment, noting that even persons suspected of serious crimes are entitled to the protection of the law.
It warned residents against jungle justice, torture and other forms of self-help, stressing that criminal allegations should be handled through lawful arrest, investigation and prosecution.
The Command further urged residents to promptly report criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to retaliation.
The police maintained that its responsibility is to protect lives, investigate alleged crimes and ensure that justice is served, regardless of the identity or status of the person involved.
