Police arrest three suspected armed robbers in Oyo

Police in Oyo State, on Wednesday, arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered stolen items and cash during stop-and-search operations at General Gas Area of Akobo in Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.

The Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, identified the suspects as Abiodun Michael, Olaoluwa Pamole, and Ahmed Ismail; while Lamidi is currently at large.

He explained that the police on patrol at the General Gas Area of Akobo in Ibadan intercepted a suspect riding a motorcycle.

Ayanlade said the suspect, later identified as Abiodun Michael, attempted to flee on sighting the operatives but was swiftly pursued and apprehended.

He said during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a robbery operation alongside three accomplices, namely Olaoluwa Pamole, Ahmed Ismail, and Lamidi, during which unsuspecting members of the public were robbed at gunpoint around the Toll Gate and Egbeda areas of Ibadan.

The PPRO stated that investigations revealed that the suspect had been on the Police radar for some time and is known to operate along the state borders of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, engaging in armed robbery activities.

“Acting on this information, a team of police operatives, in collaboration with men of the Command Monitoring Unit and led by the Divisional Police Officer, Akobo Division, proceeded to the suspects’ meeting point at Access Hotel, Sawmill, Onipepeye Area, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

At the scene, Olaoluwa Pamole and Ahmed Ismail were arrested, while the third suspect, Lamidi, is currently at large

“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of the following items: One Magnum Pump Action gun with six live cartridges; Mobile phones: iPhone 17, iPhone 15, iPhone 13, iPhone 8, iPhone XR, iPhone 16 Blue, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Tecno Camon, Tecno CKG, Tecno Spark 20, Tecno CM6, and five units of Redmi phones (black).”

Others include: “One Samsung Galaxy S10; One Wi-Fi device; One power bank; One Oraimo radio; Four wristwatches; Cash sum of N130,000.

“The suspects further confessed to being involved in the snatching of a Honda car, ash in colour, in Abeokuta, Ogun State,” he explained.

Ayanlade said the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has directed that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for discreet investigation and prosecution.

“The CP has also ordered that the fleeing suspect be apprehended and prosecuted to face the full weight of the law.

“The Oyo State Police Command commends the swift response, diligence, and professionalism of the operatives whose timely actions led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of stolen items,” he explained.

The Command, therefore, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his outstanding leadership and guidance, which continues to strengthen proactive policing across the country.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

“Additionally, any members of the public who have in recent times lost their valuables to robbery in the Egbeda and Toll Gate areas may come forward to the Command Monitoring Unit to claim recovered items, subject to verification of ownership.”

The Command reassured residents of their safety and its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property at all times.