One of the recovered cars
John Dike, Osogbo
The police in Osun State have arrested five suspects aged between 23 and 29, alleged to have been involved in heinous crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft, secret cultism, and murder
In a statement issued by the state vommand’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the police confirmed that five suspects were apprehended and a number of stolen items recovered, including firearms, vehicles, mobile phones, and other valuables.
Items rcovered include:a Lexus jeep (Black),marked: GGE 197 JJ, a Toyota Camry muscle (Silver), (BDG 684 HW), 3½ bed frame, 3½ mattress, four locally-made single-barrel guns, and one cut-to-size double-barrel gun.
Other terms recovered are two Nokia C32 Android phones and valuable documents
According to DSP Ojelabi, on July 11, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one suspect in Ilesa with a stolen Lexus Jeep, car keys, and supporting documents.
He stated that further investigation revealed that the suspect had led a gang of armed men to Akungba in Ondo State on June 20, 2025, where they reportedly kidnapped and murdered two victims — Mr. Abah John Friday and Ms. Okah Andrel — before stealing their Lexus Jeep, iPhones, and other belongings.
In a separate operation on July 10, 2025, officers from the Prompt Response Unit attached to the Ikire Area Command intercepted a Toyota Camry with suspicious registration.
The driver fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterward.
During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to stealing the vehicle, along with a bed frame and mattress, from Poget Care Homes Foundation in Badagry, Lagos State, where he had worked as a security guard. The organization later confirmed the theft.
Also on June 22, 2025, another suspect was arrested after he attempted to rob a boutique owner on Obalufon Street in Ile-Ife with a locally made pistol. Although he fired a shot, the complainant escaped unhurt and raised the alarm, leading to the supect’s arrest.
He later confessed to purchasing the firearm for ₦60,000 from another suspect who was arrested on June 27, 2025, in Modakeke. Three more locally made guns were recovered during thevarrest arrest.
The police spokesman said that on April 25, 2025, a complainant alleged that her Nokia C32 Android phone had been stolen while charging at a friend’s house in the Akile area of Ila-Orangun.
A thorough investigation led to the arrest of another suspect on July 12, 2025. He was found with the stolen phone and a cut-to-size double-barrel gun in his possession.
All suspects, Ojelabi said are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the various police units involved. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
“We urge the good people of Osun to remain vigilant and work closely with the police. Together, we can ensure Osun remains a safe haven for all,” CP Gotan said.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that can assist the police in tracking and apprehending criminal elements.
