The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected armed hoodlum, three suspected motorcycle robbers, and two alleged political thugs as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
The arrests were disclosed during a press briefing held on Monday, July 21, 2026, by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, at the Command Headquarters.
Speaking on the recent security situation in the state, the Police Commissioner recalled that on Sunday, July 20, 2026, a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osogbo escalated into violent clashes after members alleged that their vehicles were prevented from entering a motor park by a rival faction.
According to him, police officers responded promptly to the disturbance and restored normalcy.
However, at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day, the Command received a distress call reporting sporadic gunfire by suspected hoodlums at the Oke-Ijetu area of Osogbo.
The Commissioner said operatives of the Anti-Robbery and Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were immediately deployed to the scene, where they came under gun attack from suspected members of a gang allegedly led by one Wakili Alowonle.
During the exchange of gunfire, three security operatives sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The police, however, arrested one suspect identified as Adedeji Saheed Opeyemi, 40, at the scene.
According to the police, the suspect confessed during interrogation that he was invited by an associate identified as "Sibi," who allegedly informed him that Wakili Alowonle had summoned them to Oke-Ijetu. He further stated that Sibi handed him one of two pump-action guns before the confrontation.
The suspect is assisting investigators in efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Items recovered from the suspect include six expended cartridges, four vehicles, four motorcycles, military camouflage uniforms, and suspected criminal charms.
Motorcycle Robbery Suspects Arrested
In a separate operation, the Command arrested three suspects in connection with the robbery of a Bajaj motorcycle.
The suspects were identified as Kamarudeen Babatunde (39), Lekan Usman (22), and Moses Oyebade (40).
Police said a distress call was received on July 19, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., reporting that a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number MEK 987 VU had been forcefully taken from its rider at Osunjela Area, Osogbo.
Following intelligence-led investigations, the stolen motorcycle was traced and recovered in Modakeke at about 9:30 a.m.
Two of the suspects were arrested alongside an alleged receiver, Moses Oyebade, said to be from Ondo Town, Ondo State.
The recovered motorcycle and the suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.
Two Suspected Political Thugs Nabbed
The Police Command also announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs identified as Alawode Ridwan (26) and Ajibade Ahmed (33).
According to the Command, the suspects were arrested on July 16, 2026, following a distress call that they were allegedly causing unrest around the Amadia area of Osogbo.
Detectives swiftly responded to the scene and apprehended the suspects without incident.
The Police Commissioner stated that all suspects involved in the various cases would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police Urge Public Cooperation
CP Ibrahim Gotan appealed to residents of Osun State to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
He urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities or movements within their communities, stressing that cooperation between citizens and security agencies remains essential in combating crime and ensuring public safety across the state.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment