The police have arrested three suspected thieves for raiding the palace of the Olu of Ogunmakin town in Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State.

The criminals had on Thursday, raided and stolen the crown and staff of office from the palace of late monarch Oba James Sodiya, who passed away about two months ago.

According to Daily Trust, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Disclosing that three suspects in connection with the crime have been arrested, the police spokesperson added that the crown has been recovered but the staff of office is still missing.

“On the 12th of October 2023, an intelligence was received from the palace of his Royal Majesty that one Amusa Kazeem, Oke Oladipupo and Johnson Oluwole conspired and stole the royal crown and the staff of office two months after the demise of king of Ogunmakin.

“The suspects were alleged to have entered into the house at about 2:00 hours where the property of the late king was kept,” Mrs Odutola said.

The spokesperson added that “The trio took the key where it was kept in the custody of the person assigned to keep the property and removed the royal crown and the staff of office of the late king, an act described as an abomination.

“Immediately the information was received, the police swung into action and recovered the royal crown from the house of one Kazeem Amusan.

“The staff of office has not been recovered, but intensive action is on going to recover same. The suspects have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation,” she disclosed.

The statement stated that the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, urged members of the public to provide information that could lead to the recovery of the missing staff of office.