By The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for hijacking loaded containers at gunpoint across the state, arresting ten suspects and recovering stolen goods estimated at One Hundred Million Naira in the process.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, operatives of the Command had trailed the gang for weeks based on credible intelligence before closing in on their hideout within the Genesis Hotel area of Challenge, Ibadan, where all ten suspects were taken into custody.
Mr. Ayanlade noted that the syndicate had built a pattern of intercepting trucks and diverting their cargo at gunpoint.
“The criminal gang, known for hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting valuable goods, operates across state lines and was intercepted, leading to the arrest of ten (10) suspects at the scene,” the statement noted.
According to the command, the recovered items include forty air conditioning units, ten washing machines, an electric motorcycle, seven cutting machines, fifteen packs of LED lights, twenty-five packs of furniture gum, trailer spare parts, assorted creams, women’s hair relaxers, wigs, chin chin, and furniture and painters’ materials.
“The total value of the recovered exhibits is estimated at One Hundred Million Naira (₦100,000,000.00)”
The suspected criminals arrested by the police are Mukaila Omorayo, 48; Adekanbi Adesola, 39; Ahmed Oderinlo, 38; Samuel Omoseyin, 53; Ramon Saheed, 52; Monilola Ajayi, 58; Akanbi Bisi, 51; Wasilat Abdullahi, 48; Bolaji Tanimola, 51; and Adeola Oyesina, 51. Six of the suspects are male and four are female.
Mr. Ayanlade further noted that all ten suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the criminal enterprise, adding that “their confessions are aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.” The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the new Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for the professionalism and persistence that led to the breakthrough, and also acknowledged members of the public whose intelligence contributions proved critical to the operation’s success.
“He also appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and willingness to volunteer credible intelligence, which continues to play a critical role in crime prevention and detection. The Command therefore urges sustained public support and partnership with the Police to ensure a safer and more secure society,” he noted.
With the new revelation, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, has decided to put hotel operators on notice, warning that criminal groups frequently use lodging facilities as bases for planning and executing operations.
The command noted that the management of Genesis Hotel has been invited for questioning. Also, the Commissioner called on hospitality businesses across the state to actively share information on suspicious guests with law enforcement.
