Oyo police arrest suspected armed robber, recovers stolen tricycle

A routine intelligence-led stop-and-search operation by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command has resulted in the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of a tricycle allegedly stolen at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The operation followed credible intelligence received from public-spirited members of the community that a suspected stolen tricycle was being driven along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit mounted an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation at Irepo Area, where they successfully intercepted the tricycle, bearing registration number Lagos EPE 236 QR, and arrested the rider, Akindele Seun, a 31-year-old male.

Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Oyo State Police Command, in a statement, said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having robbed the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, before fleeing with the vehicle into Oyo State.

Consequently, the recovered tricycle has been taken into police custody, while concerted efforts are underway to trace and identify the rightful owner and facilitate its return. Investigation is equally in progress to apprehend any other person(s) connected with the crime.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Oyo State does not become a safe haven or breeding ground for crime and criminality. He emphasised that individuals who commit crimes within the State, as well as those who seek to transport the proceeds or instruments of crime into Oyo State, will continue to be identified, arrested, investigated, and prosecuted in accordance with the law, irrespective of where such offences were committed.

He further assured residents that the Command remains resolute in denying criminal elements any operating space within the State and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information in support of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.