Detectives from the Osun State Police Command have raided and arrested various gangs suspected of murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery, recovering five firearms and two vehicles among other items.

A statement by Abiodun Ojelabi, the command’s Public Relations Officer, on Thursday, identified the five suspects as ‎Michael Ojo, aged 27; Dotun Olumide, 34; Adeboye Damilare Blessing, 23; Taiwo Awoniran, 28; and Onah David, 29.

He said the exhibits recovered include a Lexus jeep with registration number GGE 197 JJ, a Toyota Hilux with registration number BDG 684 HW, a 3.5 bed frame, a 3.5 mattress, valuable documents, four locally-made single-barrel guns, two Nokia C32 Android phones, and a custom-sized double-barrel gun.

According to him, the recovery was achieved through strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, in the force’s efforts to eliminate criminal elements in Osun.

Explaining how the criminal activities unfolded and how the suspects were apprehended, Ojelabi said there was a tip-off on 11 July 2025 at approximately 1845 hours that some hoodlums, suspected to be members of a cult group, were seen in Ilesa planning to sell a black Lexus jeep with registration number GGE 197 JJ.

He disclosed that Gotan swiftly deployed the Anti-cultism squad, and that the team swung into action and arrested Michael Ojo with the Lexus Jeep, key and some documents. “Through intelligence, on 12/7/2025, investigation was extended to Aramoko town in Ekiti State which revealed that, Michael Ojo on 20/6/2025 led some armed hoodlums suspected to be members of a cult group to the house of one Mr. Abah John Friday and OKah Andrel at Akungba in Ondo State where they stole a Lexus Jeep, iPhones and some valuable items, also kidnapped and killed the victims. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing,” he added.
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“‎In the same vein, on 10th July, 2025 at about 1700hrs, the Prompt Response Unit (PRU) of Osun State Police Command attached to Ikire Area Command; intercepted a Toyota Muscle Camry with registration number BDG 684 HW, Silver colour and in the process of checking the car documents, the suspect one Dotun Olumide ‘m’ aged 34 years took to his heel, through available Intel he was later arrested on same date, during interrogation, he confessed to the crime that he works as a security man at Poget Care Homes Foundation, Badagry Lagos State where he stole the car, 3 ½ bed frame and 31/2 mattress. The organisation was contacted, and a representative of the organisation identified the suspect as a security man who stole the car and other items on 8th July, 2025, at about 9 pm. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing.

“Also, on 22/06/2025 at about 1100hrs, the principal suspect, Adeboye Damilare, went to the boutique shop of the complainant at Obalufon Street, Ile-Ife and robbed him of some items valued eight hundred thousand naira only (N800,000) with a locally made pistol, which he fired directly at the complainant. But after a failed attempt, the complainant raised alarm and the suspect was arrested and taken to ‘A’ Division Ile-Ife. During the interrogation, the suspect confessed that he bought the gun from one Taiwo Awoniran , aged 28years, at the rate of Sixty Thousand Naira only (N60,000).

“Subsequently, on 27/06/2025, the team of Police Detectives from Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command proceeded to Modakeke following a discreet operation; arrested the said Taiwo Awoniran, while three other short guns were also recovered in his possession.

“Furthermore, on 25/04/2025 at about 1000hrs, a complainant reported at ‘B’ Division Ila-Orangun that she was charging her Nokia C32 Android phone at her friend’s house at Akile area, Ila-Orangun. To her surprise, on getting back to pick up her phone, she discovered that the said phone had been stolen by an unknown thief. During the course of an intelligence-led and fact-finding investigation, on 12/07/2025, the Police Detectives were able to arrest the suspect, Onah David, age 29 years and found the said Nokia phone, also recovering a cut-to-size double-barrel gun in his possession. Meanwhile, the investigation is still ongoing. All suspects will be prosecuted upon completion of investigation,” the statement read.
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Meanwhile, Gotan has urged Osun residents to continue supporting and cooperating with the police by providing prompt and actionable information that will help improve security and make the state a safe haven.