By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Tension gripped the Ajura community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday, December 30, following the arrest of a traditional ruler, Oba Taiwo Kazeem, and one other suspect over the alleged theft and sale of public water facilities belonging to the Ogun State Water Corporation.
According to information made available to Amebo Newspaper NG, youths of the Ajura area, working in collaboration with community vigilantes, arrested the suspects after an internal investigation into the disappearance of water infrastructure meant to improve water supply in the community.
The items allegedly stolen include water storage tanks, a generator and other equipment reportedly installed by the Ogun State Water Corporation to enhance access to potable water for residents of Ajura and its environs.
Community sources disclosed that suspicion initially fell on Friday Nike, popularly known as Alaroro, who was alleged to have taken possession of the missing items. Following his arrest on December 30, Friday reportedly confessed to receiving the tanks and generator from Oba Taiwo Kazeem, whom he claimed sold the items to him.
Based on the alleged confession, the youths and vigilante members subsequently moved to apprehend the monarch. Both suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police and are currently being detained at the Owode Police Station for further investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the matter, and no formal charges have been announced. The suspects are therefore presumed innocent pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, residents of Ajura have expressed shock and concern over the development, calling on the state government and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that public assets meant for community development are protected.
The case is expected to draw wider attention as investigations continue.
