The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a tricycle allegedly stolen at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Akindele Seun, was apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit following credible intelligence from members of the public that a suspected stolen tricycle was being driven into Oyo State.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the operatives mounted a strategic stop-and-search operation at Irepo, where they intercepted the tricycle bearing Lagos registration number EPE 236 QR and arrested the rider.

Preliminary investigation, the police said, revealed that the suspect allegedly robbed the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin before fleeing with the vehicle into Oyo State.
“The suspect confessed during interrogation to dispossessing the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, before escaping with it to Oyo State,” the statement said.

The command disclosed that the recovered tricycle has been taken into police custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace its rightful owner and facilitate its return.

It added that investigation has commenced to identify and arrest other members of the robbery syndicate linked to the crime.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the command’s determination to prevent the state from becoming a haven for criminals.

He said the police would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities, including those attempting to transport proceeds of crime into the state, regardless of where such offences were committed.

The police commissioner also appealed to residents to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.