The Osun State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to multiple crimes including kidnapping, murder, armed robbery and cultism, following a series of coordinated operations across Osun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests followed strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
Ojelabi said, “On 11th July 2025, at about 1845hrs, the Anti-Cultism Squad acting on credible information arrested one Michael Ojo, aged 27, in Ilesa, while attempting to sell a stolen black Lexus Jeep with registration number GGE 197 JJ.”
Ojelabi also revealed that further investigation led officers to Aramoko in Ekiti State, where it was discovered that Ojo and accomplices had on June 20, 2025, attacked the residence of Abah John Friday and Okah Andrel in Akungba, Ondo State, killing the victims after stealing phones, a vehicle, and other valuables.
In a separate incident, the Command’s Prompt Response Unit on July 10, 2025, intercepted a silver Toyota Camry with registration BDG 684 HW in Ikire.
“The driver, Dotun Olumide, aged 34 years, fled the scene but was later apprehended and confessed to stealing the vehicle and household items from Poget Care Homes Foundation in Badagry, Lagos State.
“Olumide, a security officer at the Foundation, had stolen the car, a 3½ bed frame and mattress on 8th July. A representative of the Foundation confirmed his identity and the theft,” the police revealed.
In Ile-Ife, another suspect, Adeboye Damilare, aged 23 years, was arrested after a failed armed robbery attempt at a boutique on Obalufon Street on June 22, 2025.
“He confessed to firing a shot at the shop owner with a locally made pistol and disclosed he had bought the weapon for N60,000 from one Taiwo Awoniran.
“Subsequently, police detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested Awoniran, aged 28 years, in Modakeke on 27th June. Three locally made single barrel guns were recovered during the operation,” the statement revealed.
The fifth suspect, Onah David, aged 29 years, was apprehended on July 12, in connection with the theft of a Nokia C32 Android phone in Ila-Orangun.
Police also found a cut-to-size double barrel gun in his possession during the investigation.
“Recovered exhibits include five firearms, two vehicles, phones, a bed frame and mattress, as well as various documents. All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, and they will be charged to court accordingly,” Ojelabi added.
The statement added that CP Gotan, urged residents of Osun State to remain vigilant and assist the police with actionable intelligence to improve safety and security.
“I appeal to the good people of Osun to continue supporting the police with useful information to make the state a safe haven,” Gotan said.
