Police Arrest Murder Suspect, Burglars, Foil Cult Clash In Statewide Operations
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has recorded a series of operational breakthroughs across the state, leading to the arrest of a murder suspect, suspected cultists and alleged serial burglars, as part of sustained efforts to curb crime and enhance public safety.
The Command said the successes were achieved through intelligence-driven and proactive policing strategies, with the support of the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and strengthening public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that operatives arrested a murder suspect in Tede, quelled a cult-related disturbance in Jobele, apprehended a suspect involved in a grievous assault in Ilora, and intercepted alleged serial burglars in Ibadan.
According to the statement, operatives arrested one Yaru Saka in connection with the murder of Amodu Saliu at the Budo Panu area of Tede. A locally fabricated single-barrel gun was recovered during the operation.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and is cooperating with investigators by providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations,” the police said, adding that the body of the deceased had been released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Command further disclosed that it swiftly intervened in a cult-related disturbance at the Jobele area following credible intelligence on a violent fracas. A victim, Abraham Atunde, who sustained injuries during the incident, was rescued, while a blood-stained knife was recovered at the scene.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two suspects, Sammod Bologun, 29, and Katie Suleiman, 24, who allegedly confessed to their involvement in the cult-related violence. The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
In Ilora, operatives arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Isiaka Muhammed, in connection with an attack on a night guard at the Elekara area of the town. The suspect was apprehended with a cutlass believed to have been used in the assault.
“The suspect confessed to the crime, and investigations are ongoing,” the statement added.
The Command also recorded a major breakthrough against property crime in Ibadan, where three suspected burglars were intercepted at the Salami/Ibachi axis while conveying suspected stolen items in a Toyota Liteace bus with Oyo State commercial registration number MNY 759 YN.
The suspects were identified as Rukayat Favour Umar, 17; Mubarak Umar, 26; and Jimoh Ibrahim, 49. Police investigations revealed that the suspects had been involved in several burglary activities within the metropolis and were already on the Command’s intelligence watchlist.
“They confessed to the crime and to previous burglary incidents, which were further corroborated by CCTV footage from earlier cases,” the police said.
The suspects, along with recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, for further investigation.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
“The fight against crime will be sustained, and all suspects arrested in connection with these cases will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement said.
DSP Ayanlade also urged members of the public to make use of the emergency lines, including the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615, and the Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.