Robbery Suspect Steals Police Officer’s Phone While in Custody, Begs for Forgiveness

A 23-year-old robbery suspect, Godwin Emmanuel, has confessed to stealing a police officer’s phone while being transported in a patrol van to the Osun State Police Command. Emmanuel, along with suspects Olajide Kareem (28) and Emmanuel Mike (33), was arrested for allegedly robbing motorists on the Ilesa-Osu Expressway.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, provided details on Friday, revealing that the suspects had been targeting drivers and passengers, stealing valuables, and in one incident, shooting a bus driver in the leg. The driver was rushed to Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife for treatment. Kareem was caught hiding in the bush shortly after one of the robberies, admitting he was part of a five-man gang from Ikorodu, Lagos State. Police later detained the other two suspects.

In an unexpected turn, Emmanuel confessed to swiping a phone from one of the officers escorting him. He said, “I didn’t know the phone belonged to a policeman. I took it because I wanted to contact my family, who didn’t know I’d been arrested.” Emmanuel admitted to removing the SIM card and hiding the phone in his cell until officers discovered it during a search.

“I ask them to forgive me. I didn’t mean any harm,” he pleaded, expressing regret over the incident.

The Osun State Police Command noted that investigations are still ongoing and reiterated its commitment to curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.