Two Sentenced for Stealing Iron Rods from Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway Federal Road Project

Two men have been sentenced to one year imprisonment for stealing iron rods from a federal road construction site along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway in Osun State.

The convicts, Damilare Oladunjoye and Azeez Ibironke, were found guilty by Magistrate Adedokun Ayeni of Magistrate Court II, Ilesa Division, on charges bordering on theft.

The duo was arrested during a midnight security patrol on June 1, 2026, while transporting stolen iron rods concealed in a sack on a motorcycle. Security operatives reportedly became suspicious of their movement and attempted to intercept them. The suspects allegedly tried to flee but were later apprehended.

Investigations revealed that the iron rods had been removed from an ongoing federal road construction project on the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted that they had previously stolen construction materials from the same site.

According to findings, the stolen materials were sold to a scrap dealer, with the proceeds shared between the two suspects. Authorities disclosed that the theft had caused significant losses, as the iron rods formed part of materials designated for a major road infrastructure project.

Following the completion of investigations, the suspects were arraigned before the court on June 2, 2026, on a three-count charge of stealing. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the case, the court convicted both defendants and sentenced them to one year imprisonment. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Security authorities welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong warning against the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure. They emphasized the importance of protecting government projects and called on residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with credible information.

The conviction is expected to serve as a deterrent to individuals involved in the theft of construction materials and other forms of economic sabotage across the state.