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Tag: Ondo Police

  • Ondo police arrest ‘fleeing motorcycle thieves’ in Edo, recover stolen bike

    Ondo police arrest ‘fleeing motorcycle thieves’ in Edo, recover stolen bike

    Four suspects linked to a motorcycle theft syndicate have been apprehended by the men of the Ondo State Police Command. 

    The suspects, who were linked to a notorious syndicate, terrorising motorcyclists in Ondo, were nabbed in Edo State. 

    The suspects, identified as Onyeka, Ekene, Sunday, and Abubakar, reportedly confessed to their involvement in the theft during police interrogations. 

    A TVS motorcycle was also intercepted from the suspects. 

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the command, Jimoh Abayomi, said the arrests followed a press release issued by the command on December 22, 2025, which announced the earlier interception of the syndicate and the recovery of two stolen motorcycles. 

    READ ALSO; Police arrest two over killing of three women in Adamawa

    Abayomi disclosed that intelligence-led operations led officers to track down the fleeing suspects in Edo State.

    “They are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said. 

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, lauded the operatives for their professional, swift, and decisive response, noting that it underscored the command’s strengthened capacity for effective crime-fighting.

    CP lawal also reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that the police remain proactive in tackling criminal activities. 

    He warned that criminals would be tracked and brought to justice regardless of where they operate.

    The police boss, however, directed all Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to remain vigilant and ensure robust security coverage across the state. 

    He urged residents to stay alert, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities to enhance public safety.

  • Police bust illegal gun factory, arrest suspected manufacturer in Ondo

    Police bust illegal gun factory, arrest suspected manufacturer in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, identified as Kareem Fatia, for allegedly operating an illegal gun-manufacturing factory in the Eyingun-Owode area of Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

    The arrest followed credible intelligence received by detectives attached to the Yaba Divisional Headquarters in Ondo City, which led to a coordinated raid on the suspect’s residence on October 15, 2025.

    During the operation, police recovered three single-barrel guns, three Dane guns, and one unfinished gun barrel concealed behind the building.

    Two other individuals were also apprehended in connection with the operation and are currently assisting police investigations.

    The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, who confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, said the main suspect had been transferred to the Monitoring Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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    Ayanlade added that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts by the Command to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and reduce criminal activities across communities in the state.

    He urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities that could aid the fight against illegal arms production and trafficking.

  • Ondo police, hunters rescue 60-year-old kidnap victim, kill three suspects

    Ondo police, hunters rescue 60-year-old kidnap victim, kill three suspects

    A combined team of operatives from the Ondo State Police Command and local hunters has rescued a 60-year-old man, Tijani Aremu, after a fierce gun battle with his abductors that left three suspected kidnappers dead.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the operation was carried out by personnel from the Ikare Division working with forest hunters.

    According to Olayinka, Aremu had been held for several days as his captors demanded millions of naira in ransom. He was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family.

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    “During the exchange of gunfire, one suspect was shot dead on the spot, and a single-barreled rifle was recovered. A further search of the forest uncovered the bodies of two more fleeing suspects,” Olayinka said.

    Two other suspects, identified as Yahaya Isa (20) and Ismail Ismail, were arrested alive during the raid.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the successful rescue, describing the collaboration between security operatives and local hunters as a model of effective community policing.

  • LG Poll: Ondo police deploy tactical teams to Lagos

    LG Poll: Ondo police deploy tactical teams to Lagos

    …deny collecting N39,000 to deploy officers for Saturday’s exercise

    Ahead of Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State, the Ondo State Police Command has deployed personnel to support security operations and ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.

    Officers from various formations and tactical squads of the Ondo Command were mobilised to join their counterparts in Lagos, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

    However, the command has debunked reports alleging that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Ondo were mandated to contribute N39,000 each to fund the deployment.

    Read Also: LG Poll: Ondo police deploy tactical teams to Lagos

    In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the reports as false and misleading, emphasising that all logistical and welfare arrangements for the officers had been fully handled by the command without placing any financial burden on the deployed personnel.

    “The deployment is a routine inter-command collaboration to bolster security during elections,” Ayanlade said. “No officer was compelled to contribute money for this assignment. The allegations are baseless and a deliberate attempt to malign the image of the command.”

    He urged the public to disregard the misinformation, stressing that the command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and maintaining public trust.

  • Ondo police arrest notorious cult leader, recover stolen cattle worth N41m

    Ondo police arrest notorious cult leader, recover stolen cattle worth N41m

    …nabs 26-year-old for allegedly killing friend

    Detectives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a suspected notorious cult leader, Olujide Boluwaji Israel, aged 28, alleged to be the leader of the Eiye Confraternity terrorising Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) students and the wider Owo community.

    Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal disclosed this on Sunday in Akure while briefing journalists on recent breakthroughs by the command since his assumption of office.

    Israel, also known as “Kendowell,” was apprehended at a hideout in Igbolodu/Okanlawon Street, a student-dominated area in Owo, following actionable intelligence. “On July 1, 2025, at about 4:30 p.m., our operatives from ‘B’ Division, Owo, launched a raid that led to the arrest of the suspect who has long been a menace to students and residents,” CP Lawal said.

    He noted that Israel is in custody and is assisting with useful information.

    In a related development, the police also arrested 22-year-old Gabriel Pius for allegedly stabbing his old friend, Abu Simon, to death during a domestic altercation in Idanre Local Government Area. The suspect has been transferred to the State CID and will be charged in court after investigations.

    Meanwhile, the command recovered 22 out of 55 stolen cattle and eight sheep valued at ₦41 million. The livestock, belonging to Prince Fasua Peter Oyeleye, were allegedly stolen by his employee, Ali Garuba Muhammed, who remains at large.

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    Lawal praised the swift response of the Anti-Kidnapping Section for recovering part of the stolen animals within 48 hours and assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive and recover the remaining livestock.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to flushing out criminals and urged residents to provide timely, credible information to support security operations across the state.

    “So, with sustained public cooperation and the continued use of technology in our operations, we can maintain this positive momentum and collectively build a safer, more secure, and peaceful Ondo State for all,” he said. 

  • Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    A violent clash between the Ondo State Police Command and operatives of the Amotekun Corps has left six people injured in Akure, the state capital. 

    The confrontation erupted over the custody of a suspect accused of stealing property from a church near the Sunday Bus Stop, Ijoka.

    Witnesses reported that both security units engaged in sporadic shooting, causing panic among residents. 

    The dispute allegedly stemmed from an argument over which outfit would detain the suspect. While Amotekun operatives initially took charge, the police later reinforced and forcibly took possession of both the suspect and the exhibits. 

    Ondo police spokesman, Alayande Olushola, confirmed that two officers from the command were the first to arrive at the crime scene before tensions escalated.

    According to him, “It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.

    Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.

    “Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

    “However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

    Some injured Amotekun officers, who spoke on anonymity, said their walkie-talkies were collected.

    They said many deaths would have been recorded if they had retaliated.

  • Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo State Command has started the training of its 160 personnel on intelligence gathering.

    Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said at the opening ceremony that the programme was targeted at transforming constables and corporals into intelligence operatives.

    The CP said officers were expected to leverage smartphones for real-time intelligence submission and spontaneous reactions of crimes, including kidnapping ransom, murder, arson, cultism, and other forms of violent criminality.

    He explained that intelligence gathering and firmness were crucial to ensuring a proactive measure for a peaceful state.

    Afolabi expressed optimism that the participants would be better positioned to bridge the existing gaps, rebuild public trust, and enhance the overall security architecture of communities across the 18 council areas of the state.

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    His words: “Intelligence gathering is one of the most important sections that is instrumental to breakthrough when it comes to policing and it’s so unfortunate that it’s one aspect that is so neglected.”

    “When I was the Assistant Commissioner of Police, OC Intelligence, Lagos, it gave me the opportunity to know that wherever I find myself, I should pursue the subject of intelligence gathering holistically. So, what we see happening did come by accident. And to put the icing on the cake, it falls in line with the agenda of our Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda.

    “The IGP, too, feels so concerned about the subject of intelligence and just two weeks ago, he was in Ilorin to revamp the intelligence school. Part of his agenda, too, is on capacity building because we can’t be talking about professionalism, and then we exclude training. The catalyst that brings out professionalism is training, capacity building. And you will discover that since I arrived that has been my focus.

    “You may not see the effects in the shortest time because training has what they call long-lasting effect now, it may be when I finally leave this place, but one thing I can tell you is that we are laying a long-lasting foundation which will go a long way to address the security challenges we are facing today.

    “When I did what they call system analysis, I discovered that there was nothing like intelligence when I arrived here.”

  • Police announce diversion of traffic in Akure

    Police announce diversion of traffic in Akure

    Ondo State Government has announced the diversion of traffic along the Alagbaka/Oyemekun route for the commissioning of Ojaja Park scheduled for today.

    The Ojaja Park is a smart city built by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, in Akure, the Ondo State capital. It has a five-star hotel, game centre, children’s park, shopping mall, school and residential estates. It said the diversion was necessary to ensure tight security as well as manage anticipated traffic congestion due to the large number of VIPs attending the event.

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    A statement by the Ondo Police spokesman, Funmilayo Odunlami, advised motorists to seek alternative routes during the period. The statement said: “Commuters travelling from Oba Ile and Ijapo areas towards Fiwasaye Roundabout are particularly urged to take the First Bank Roundabout, as both the first and second turnings will be temporarily closed.

    “To minimize any inconvenience, the Police Command, along with other security and traffic control agencies, has made extensive arrangements to manage the situation and guide the public. We kindly request the cooperation of the public during this period and encourage all residents to report any suspicious activities to the Police.”

  • Ondo police recover seven stolen vehicles

    Ondo police recover seven stolen vehicles

    …as hunter shoots colleague over girlfriend

    Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have recovered seven vehicles from a notorious receiver of stolen cars in Ogun State.

    The suspect, identified as Akinsanya Sarafa Adeniyi, also known as “Oba Idan,” was apprehended after a petition was filed regarding a brazen armed robbery in which a Toyota Corolla was stolen.

    The robbers also made away with a Tecno POP 5 phone and ₦1.5m cash.

    A female accomplice who produced fake vehicular documents and others who aided the principal suspect in evading arrest were also arrested.

    Also, a hunter, Ajegba Joseph, aged 38 was arrested for shooting his friend who was having an affair with his girlfriend who is a divorcee.

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    Ajegba had gone to the residence of his girlfriend to give her a bush meat he killed when he saw his friend having fun with the girl through the window.

    Ondo Police Commissioner, Oladipo Abayomi, said Ajegba shot his friend in the thigh with an unlicensed single-barrel gun.

    “However, upon sighting the victim with the woman in bed, the suspect shot the victim through the window side.

    “The suspect was arrested and the barrel gun recovered with an expended cartridge, while the victim rescued by the Police is currently recuperating at the hospital.”

    He said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

  • JUST IN: Police rescue five kidnapped victims in Ondo

    JUST IN: Police rescue five kidnapped victims in Ondo

    Five persons who were abducted last week by kidnappers at Elegbeka on the Akure-Benin highway have been rescued.

    The kidnappers had killed the driver and a female passenger at a police checkpoint along the highway.

    According to Ondo Police spokesperson, SP Fumilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the victims were left behind after intense pressure from the police forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

    “Policemen drawn from the Tactical squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale continuously combing the bush with sustained technical support frustrated the assailants and were forced to abandon the victims at Oyinbo/ Sanusi Camp.

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    “The victims are currently being attended to at the Police Medical Services Owo, and will be handed over to their family members after being debriefed.”

    Meanwhile, two farmers are currently in a state of coma after they were macheted by their colleague simply identified as Yakubu.

    The incident happened at Akunu Akoko in Akoko Northeast local government.

    Sources said the children of the farmers had a fracas over a minor issue which led to the parents getting involved.

    According to a witness, “In the farm, Yakubu had an upper hand. He used a cutlass to cut the two opponents who are now seriously unconscious. They are in the hospital in Ikare Akoko.

    Yakubu has since been arrested, according to the source.