The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers with a toy pistol during a patrol within Ibadan, the state capital.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday and said the toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession.
The statement reads, “On 6th April, 2026, at about 1230 hours, operatives attached to Bodija Housing Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along Awolowo Road, Bodija, intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH.
“The motorcycle was ridden by one Godwin Cletus ‘M,’ aged 26, and conveying two pillion passengers identified as Adedokun Isah ‘M,’ aged 17, and Rafiu Usman ‘M,’ aged 19, all residents of the Gbaremu area, Ibadan. The interception, which was based on reasonable suspicion, led to a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings.
“In the course of the search, a toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered, alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession. This discovery heightened suspicion and provided reasonable grounds for their immediate arrest, as it suggested possible involvement in criminal activities.”
Ayanlade said upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to engaging in the robbery of unsuspecting members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables, adding that their confessional statements had since provided useful leads, thereby strengthening ongoing investigative efforts.
“Consequently, the suspects have been taken into custody, while a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the full extent of their criminal operations and to identify other possible accomplices within their network,” the statement added.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, the Command also arrested an additional suspect linked to a kidnapping syndicate earlier apprehended with an AK-47 rifle in Ikoyi-Ile, as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crimes in the state.
The Command, in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspect, identified as Taye Adamu, was arrested on April 5, 2026, at about 4:50 p.m. at Iluju Village by operatives of the Ikoyi-Ile division.
Olayinka stated that the arrest followed “credible intelligence and sustained follow-up operations,” adding that the suspect is “strongly believed to be a member of the same criminal syndicate whose members were arrested on 4th April, 2026.”
According to the statement, the suspect confessed during interrogation to involvement in “various kidnapping and other violent criminal activities” in the area, providing useful leads to investigators and validating earlier intelligence on the group’s operations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for “discreet and comprehensive investigation,” while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The Command said the development reflects its “sustained operational momentum in dismantling criminal networks” across the state.
It also noted that the Commissioner appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support, while commending operatives and members of the public for their cooperation.
The police reiterated that “public support, as well as accurate and timely information sharing, remains critical” to achieving a safer Oyo State, assuring residents of continued operations to eradicate kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
