Oyo police arrest armed robbery suspects, recover stolen items

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested armed robbery suspects and recovered weapons, stolen items, and cash, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and proactive stop-and-search operations in safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Likewise, the command recorded another operational success with the recovery of a stolen motorcycle and the arrest of two suspects connected with the theft.

A statement by Ayanlade Olayinka, deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command said that operatives on patrol at the General Gas Area, Akobo, Ibadan, intercepted a suspect riding a motorcycle.

“The suspect, later identified as Abiodun Adeyemi Michael, attempted to flee on sighting the operatives but was swiftly pursued and apprehended. Investigations have revealed that the suspect had been on the Police radar for some time and is known to operate along the state borders of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, engaging in armed robbery activities.

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of the following items: One Magnum Pump Action gun with six live cartridges, Mobile phones: iPhone 17, iPhone 15, iPhone 13, iPhone 8, iPhone XR, iPhone 16 Blue, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Tecno Camon, Tecno CKG, Tecno Spark 20, Tecno CM6, and five units of Redmi phones (black), One Samsung Galaxy S10, One Wi-Fi device, One power bank, One Oraimo radio, Four wristwatches and cash sum of ₦130,000.” He said.

Ayanlade stated that during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a robbery operation alongside three suspected accomplices, namely Olaoluwa Pamole, Ahmed Ismail, and Lamidi, during which unsuspecting members of the public were robbed at gunpoint around the Toll Gate and Egbeda areas of Ibadan.

“Acting on this information, a team of police operatives, in collaboration with men of the Command Monitoring Unit and led by the Divisional Police Officer, Akobo Division, proceeded to the suspects’ meeting point at Access Hotel, Sawmill, Onipepeye Area, Iwo Road, Ibadan, at the scene, Olaoluwa Pamole and Ahmed Ismail were arrested, while the third suspect, Lamidi, is currently at large.

“The suspects further confessed to being involved in the snatching of a Honda car, ash in colour, in Abeokuta, Ogun State,” he said.

Femi Haruna, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, has directed that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for discreet investigation and prosecution.

He has therefore, also ordered that the fleeing suspect be apprehended and prosecuted to face the full weight of the law.

The Oyo State Police Command commends the swift response, diligence, and professionalism of the operatives whose timely actions led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of stolen items. The Command also expressed appreciation to Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Inspector-General of Police, for his outstanding leadership and guidance, which continues to strengthen proactive policing across the Nation.

Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

Additionally, any members of the public who have in recent times lost their valuables to robbery in the Egbeda and Toll Gate areas may come forward to the Command Monitoring Unit to claim recovered items, subject to verification of ownership. The Command reassures residents of their safety and its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Command said it recovered a stolen motorcycle and arrested two suspects.

According to Ayanlade, a report was received at the Ile-Ido Divisional Headquarters following a phone call from one Olaoye ‘M’, who informed the police that his Bajaj motorcycle with registration number GMD 361 QQ, red in colour, which had earlier been stolen, was sighted in an uncompleted building located at Ariyon Area along Ologuneru–Ido Road, Ibadan.

“Acting promptly on the information, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ile-Ido Division, swiftly proceeded to the location where the motorcycle was successfully recovered.

“In the course of the operation, two suspects identified as Sanusi Audu ‘M’ and Amisu Sani ‘M’ were arrested in connection with the theft and subsequently taken into custody for further investigation. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to stealing the motorcycle from where it was parked at Lapade Village via Ile-Ido, Ibadan,” he said.

The Oyo PPRO said investigation into the case was ongoing as efforts are being intensified to determine whether the suspects are linked to other criminal activities within the area.

Following the recovery and ongoing investigation, Femi Haruna, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, has directed that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Oyo State Police Command wishes to commend members of the public for their proactive reporting of criminal activities, as exemplified in this case, which enabled swift police intervention and recovery of stolen property. Residents are urged to always promptly report any suspicious persons, criminal acts, or stolen property to the nearest police station to assist the Police in acting swiftly and effectively.

He also commended the swift response and professionalism of the operatives whose prompt action led to the successful recovery of the stolen motorcycle. This directive underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of crime face the full weight of the law while encouraging excellence in police service.

The Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating crime and maintaining public safety across the State, and appreciates the continued cooperation of residents in supporting law enforcement efforts.