Title: Ex-Convict Security Guard Apprehended for Stealing Students’ Phones at an Osun School
In a recent incident that has raised concerns over student safety, an ex-convict working as a security guard at a private secondary school in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been arrested for stealing cell phones belonging to high school students. The suspect, identified as Popoola Emmanuel, 30, was taken into custody by the Osun State Amotekun Corps.
According to Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi (retired), Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, the theft occurred in June during the students’ examination period. In compliance with examination rules, the students had entrusted their phones to Emmanuel for safekeeping while they were not allowed to have them inside the examination hall. However, taking advantage of the situation, Emmanuel made off with the mobile phones.
When all the cell phones were handed over to the suspect, he fled from the school premises and went into hiding, explained Brigadier General Adewinmbi. Upon receiving the report, the Osun Amotekun Corps initiated an investigation and successfully apprehended the suspect in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area on Wednesday.
During the interrogation, Emmanuel admitted to the theft and revealed that he had previously served eight months in prison for a similar crime. Additionally, he disclosed his involvement in a spree of mobile phone thefts in Modakeke, where he would later dispose of the stolen devices in different towns.
As a result of the arrest, law enforcement authorities recovered several items from the suspect, including seven sim cards from various networks, an Infinix phone with a sim card, Techno Pop 3 phone casing, Infinix hot phone casing, Techno Spark phone casing, and one Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.
The Osun Amotekun Corps has since handed over the suspect to the police for further investigation, questioning, and prosecution. The incident has sparked concerns regarding the security measures implemented in schools and has prompted officials to re-evaluate the hiring and screening processes for security personnel.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of students within educational institutions. School authorities must diligently screen and employ trustworthy security personnel who can fulfill their roles responsibly and safeguard the well-being of students.
Efforts to enhance security protocols, such as installing CCTV cameras and imposing stricter visitor control, should be considered to prevent future incidents similar to this unfortunate one. By implementing comprehensive security measures, schools can create a safe environment conducive to learning, instilling confidence in students, parents, and teachers alike.
As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent such instances from recurring in the future.
