Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ILESA, Nigeria – A Magistrate Court sitting in Ilesa, Osun State, has sentenced two men, Damilare Oladunjoye and Azeez Ibironke, to one year in prison each for stealing iron rods from a federal road construction site along the Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway. Magistrate Adedokun Ayeni of Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, handed down the sentence on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after the duo were found guilty on a three‑count charge of stealing, contrary to the laws of Osun State.
The case was prosecuted by the Legal Adviser of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, Barrister Oyedele Akintayo. The swift conviction follows the operatives’ vigilance during a routine midnight patrol on Monday, June 1, 2026, along the Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway. According to a statement issued on Friday, June 5, by the Amotekun Corps spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, the patrol team spotted the two suspects riding a motorcycle while transporting iron rods concealed in a sack. Upon sighting the patrol vehicle, the suspects attempted to flee but were pursued and apprehended.
During preliminary investigations, both men reportedly confessed to stealing the iron rods from the construction site. They further admitted that the theft was not their first; they had previously stolen construction materials from the same project on multiple occasions. According to their confessional statements, the stolen iron rods were sold to a scrap dealer for ₦35,000 per operation, with the proceeds shared equally between them.
Following the completion of investigations, the defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, on June 2, 2026. After hearing the matter, Magistrate Ayeni convicted both defendants and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the two men will serve a combined period of one year behind bars.
Reacting to the judgment, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in the arrest. He noted that the stolen iron rods were part of materials designated for a major federal government road construction project and were valued at several millions of naira. The Corps Commander emphasized that the successful arrest and prosecution demonstrate the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding government assets and ensuring that criminal elements are brought to justice. He also praised the judiciary for its prompt handling of the case.
According to him, “The conviction of these offenders sends a strong message that criminal activities, particularly the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure, will not be tolerated in Osun State. We remain committed to working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and government investments across the state.” The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterated its appeal to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that will assist security agencies in combating crime and maintaining peace and order throughout the state.
The case highlights the growing trend of theft of construction materials from major infrastructure projects across Nigeria, as well as the increasing role of state‑level security networks like Amotekun in tackling such crimes. While the value of a single operation may seem modest, the cumulative effect of repeated thefts can cause significant delays and cost overruns on public works. The court’s decision, coming just days after the arrest, underscores the judiciary’s support for fast‑tracked prosecution of offences against government property.
No further appeal has been announced by the convicts or their legal representatives. Both men are now serving their terms at a correctional facility in Osun State.
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