Three arrested for stealing and selling government mosquito nets

The Osun State Police Command said on Tuesday that they have taken three people to court. They are accused of stealing and selling 300 insecticide-treated nets meant for distribution to residents for free.

The suspects are Rabbi Bennett, Opeyemi Ajibola, and Aminu Ibrahim. This information came from a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, which was shared with PUNCH Online in Osogbo.

Ojelabi also mentioned that the three suspects have been kept in a correctional centre after their court appearance.

Details of the case show that on June 9, 2026, the police received information about the illegal sale of government-owned mosquito nets. "Preliminary investigation revealed that one Rabbi Bennett, a native of Delta State and a staff member of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) working in Ife North Local Government Area, Ipetumodu, had a dispute with Opeyemi Ajibola, an Okada rider from Ayetoro Street, Ipetumodu. This dispute was over money made from the illegal sale of mosquito nets," the statement said.

Ojelabi added that further investigation showed that the suspects, working with Aminu Ibrahim, allegedly sold six bundles containing 300 mosquito nets on June 8, 2026.

"These mosquito nets were supposed to be given out for free to the public as part of the government’s health program. After the incident, the three suspects were arrested and taken in for questioning. They reportedly admitted to their involvement in the crime during the investigation."

The case has been taken to court, and all three suspects are now at the Correctional Centre while waiting for the next steps in the legal process.

The police command emphasized its dedication to protecting public resources. They promised to hold accountable anyone involved in programs meant for public welfare.