Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested five persons suspected to be terrorising residents in the state. The suspects, identified as Friday Monday, Ashimi Wahab, James Odina, Ibrahim Idris and Prince Areeh, were nabbed in Amurin Forest, within the Owo-Ifon axis of the northern senatorial district.

Disclosing the development yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, informed that the arrests were made during an operation to track down those responsible for the death of Supol James Ogunleye.

Ayanlade said, “As part of the ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to apprehend the assailants responsible for the gruesome murder of Supol James Ogunleye and recover his service rifle, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams have intensified their operations through aggressive bush combing and intelligence-led patrols across identified flashpoints.

“The sustained operations yielded positive results in the early hours of October 26, 2025, precisely about 3.00am, when operatives arrested five suspected kidnappers inside Amurin Forest, within the Owo–Ifon axis of the state. During the operation, the police team recovered one single-barrel gun loaded with a live cartridge from the suspects. The recovered firearm and the arrested suspects are in police custody for further investigation.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and resilience. He directed that the investigation be expanded to uncover other members of the gang, as well as trace and recover the service rifle of the slain officer.