Five arrested over robbery

The Oyo State Police Command said it has arrested five men for unlawful possession of a firearm following an intelligence-led operation at Oke Labo area of Ibadan.

According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a post on X on Friday, the suspects confessed to being members of an armed robbery syndicate.

The police disclosed that the operation, which was conducted on Wednesday, followed credible information received by detectives attached to the Mapo Divisional Headquarters.

The statement read, “Acting promptly on the intelligence, the detectives moved to the location and conducted a search of a building at Oke Labo, Ibadan, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Ijo Lekan, 28; Abdulateef Ishola, 26; Idowu Rasheed, 19; Azeez Olalekan, 23; and Seun Adeniran, 24, while other suspects connected to the operation remain at large.

“The operation also led to the recovery of one locally made pistol and seven live cartridges. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of an armed robbery syndicate and admitted to participating in several violent attacks and other criminal activities within Ibadan.

“They are currently cooperating with investigators, providing useful information to facilitate the identification and arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional evidence.”

The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed a comprehensive investigation “to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities, identify other members of the syndicate and ensure that all persons connected to the crimes are brought to justice.”