Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Oyo State Command, have arrested a 19-year-old suspect and two teenage accomplices linked to a series of armed robberies across the Ibadan metropolis.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrest took place during a proactive stop-and-search exercise conducted by the command’s Operations Department.

The suspects were intercepted while travelling in an unregistered tricycle, commonly known as “Keke Maruwa”. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers carried out a thorough search, which led to the discovery of a concealed weapon.

He said: “A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment. The immediate apprehension of the occupants was a direct result of the vigilance of the operatives and the effectiveness of the stop-and-search strategy.”

Police identified the suspects as Abdulrahman Rasheed, male, 19; Biodun Fatai, male, 18; and Muiz Salawudeen, male, 18. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed that the case be handed over to the Command Monitoring Unit for a more “discreet, professional and intelligence-driven” investigation.

The trio reportedly admitted to terrorising residents of Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, with their operations focused on dispossessing victims of valuables at gunpoint.

The PPRO said: “The suspects confessed to having been involved in several cases of armed robbery in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. They further admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint.”

He added that the breakthrough was a testament to the synergy between frontline proactive measures and intelligence-led investigations. The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s resolve to safeguard the state,noting: “This outcome reinforces the message that the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property. The Command further appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and unwavering support.”

Police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and are cooperating with investigators. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

RELATEDLY, the Oyo State Police Command disclosed that detectives have arrested two individuals in connection with the death of a young labourer in Budo Mosalasi village, Saki.

The arrest followed credible information received by the command, prompting an intelligence-led investigation which revealed that the suspects were directly responsible for the killing.

The suspects were identified as Lateef Giwa, male, 35, and Adediran Quazim. Police said they had made useful confessions detailing their roles in the death of Abdulraheem Koni, male, 20, a bricklayer and labourer.

Preliminary findings indicated that Giwa was Koni’s employer and that a dispute arose during work. The altercation allegedly escalated, with Giwa and his accomplice assaulting the deceased, resulting in bruises and other injuries.

The command said: “The victim subsequently received medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries, prompting the Command to take immediate action to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. Examination of the deceased confirmed the extent of the injuries, necessitating a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including allegations of assault and possible conspiracy.

“In line with standard investigative procedure, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Femi Haruna, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for comprehensive and discreet investigation. This ensures that the matter is handled professionally, following intelligence-led procedures.”

The police emphasised that the case underscored the effectiveness of proactive policing, prompt response and intelligence-driven investigations in safeguarding lives and maintaining law and order.

Members of the public were encouraged to provide credible information to assist ongoing investigations. The command again expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and support in strengthening proactive policing nationwide.