Olusegun Ariyo
The Osun State Police Command has arrested several suspects involved in cases of highway robbery and vandalization of telecoms infrastructure.
A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adeoye Akeem Adeola, stated that the arrests were part of a resolve to tackle criminal activities in the state.
According to Adeoye, “On 3 March 2025, at approximately 7:20 am, two ex-convicts — Wasiu Kehinde, 41, and Yusuf Makinde Idris, 29 — were apprehended following an alarm raised by a female victim who had been held hostage.
“The victim boarded a vehicle in Ikire occupied by three men posing as passengers heading to Osogbo. Upon reaching the Balogun area of Ikire, the suspects allegedly tied her hands and legs, blindfolded her, and stole her phone, ATM card, and cash.
“The suspects reportedly made a U-turn towards the Ibadan axis, but the vehicle later had an accident when they returned to the Balogun area.
“Hearing the victim’s cries for help, residents and police officers quickly intervened, leading to the capture of two suspects while one managed to escape.
“Recovered exhibits included a Mitsubishi Space Wagon with registration number MUS 495 JR, an Android Huawei phone, and a piece of cloth. Police confirmed that the suspects confessed to the crime and will face charges upon completion of the investigation.”
In a separate incident, Ikire Division police arrested one Sunday Kayode Abiodun, 30 year old male, in connection with the burglary of the ATC Network site at Unity area, Ikire, on January 2, 2025, at around 12:39am.
SP Adeoye revealed that Abiodun and his accomplices allegedly stole 15 inverter batteries valued at ₦75 million.
“The security personnel attached to the site played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect when he attempted another theft on 15 January 2025.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of five additional suspects: Akeem Sakariyau, 42 years; Bankole Monsuru, 29 years; Akanbi Femi, 38 years; Balogun Lateef, 30 years; and Ojetola Abdulganiyu, 47 years.
“Recovered items from the suspects included an Opel car with registration number EPE 96 HN Lagos, a pipe wrench, cutting pliers, a screwdriver, an OPC ID card, a UBA ATM card, and a reflective jacket.”
SP Adeoye said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the receivers of the stolen items who remain at large.
“The Osun State Command remains committed to eradicating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.”
