Police operatives in Oyo State Police Command have apprehended 10 members of a suspected armed robbery syndicate at their hideout located within the Genesis Hotel area, Challenge, Ibadan.
The suspects, reportedly known for hijacking trucks at gunpoint and diverting valuable goods, included six males and four females identified as 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.
Thenewsbearer gathered that the operatives, led by credible intelligence, were on surveillance for weeks before they successfully intercepted the suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who disclosed that the suspects had been operating across states in the nation, listed the stolen items recovered from them, and valued at N100 million, to include 40 units of air conditioners, 10 washing machines, an electric motorcycle, assorted creams, seven cutting machines, 15 packs of LED lights, 25 packs of furniture gum, numerous trailer spare parts, women’s hair relaxers, wigs, chin chin, as well as furniture and painters’ materials.
The PPRO stated: “The suspects have confessed to their various involvements in the crime, and are currently cooperating with the investigation. Their confessions are aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.”
In addition to the suspects’ arrest, the Command’s spokesman said that the management of the hotel mentioned in the case had been invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” Ayanlade said.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, who commended the operatives for their professionalism, diligence, and resilience in successfully carrying out the operation, also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and willingness to volunteer credible intelligence.
He noted that the support of community members continues to play a critical role in crime prevention and detection, urging them to sustain the support and partnership with the police to ensure a safer and more secure society.
CP Abimbola advised hotel operators to support the police in the interest of public safety by providing credible intelligence on suspicious activities, as investigation has revealed that many criminal elements often hibernate in hotels to plan and execute their operations.
The Commissioner of Police thanked Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his continued support, guidance, and leadership in strengthening operational effectiveness across Commands.
