Afolabi was apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, So-Safe Corps, after he was allegedly caught removing sliding window frames from the building.
His arrest was confirmed in a statement by the State Commander, So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, ACC Adegunwa Adegbuyi, on Monday.
The Divisional Officer, SC Jinadu Okikiola, was said to have ensured that the suspect was in good health and had not sustained injuries.
He cautioned residents against jungle justice, urging them to hand over suspects to law enforcement authorities instead of beating or harming them.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming he believed the bushy location would enable him to carry out the act unnoticed.
He said he intended to sell the stolen materials to scrap dealers, popularly known as Bola-Bola.
The Corps disclosed that luck ran out on him when community members who had been keeping watch over the premises due to previous thefts noticed his suspicious movement and raised an alarm.
The caretaker and agent of the building simply identified as Chief Sopetie, said the property had suffered repeated thefts of window frames, glass and other fittings.
He disclosed that the building had about 17 windows and one door, and several fittings had been removed by unknown persons, which prompted him to arrange for community surveillance.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits were transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Lemode Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to the statement, the State Commander, Soji Ganzallo, commended the vigilance and cooperation of community members and reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, while emphasizing that suspects should be treated humanely and handed over to law enforcement rather than subjecting them to mob justice.
