The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 12 suspects involved in various crimes including armed robbery, cultism and kidnapping, following a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the State Command Headquarters, Ring Road, Osogbo on Wednesday.
The briefing was held to highlight recent achievements recorded by the command.
Gotan said the arrests and recoveries were the results of the Command’s proactive strategies and sustained intelligence gathering.
According to him, “Five suspected armed robbers were arrested for their involvement in multiple car thefts and robberies, leading to the recovery of four vehicles and several mobile phones.
“The suspects, identified as Yemi Ariyo (ring leader), Oke Temitope, Odewale Olajide, Imisi Ajewole, and Obanla Peter (receiver), were arrested at various locations in Osogbo and Abuja between 5 and 6 September 2025.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Avalon car with registration number KWL 690 BW, a Toyota Venza, a Lexus ES 300, and an unregistered Toyota Camry 2010 model. Other recovered items are nine mobile phones, including several iPhones and Samsung devices.”
Gotan stated that the arrests followed a report by a victim who was attacked with a cutlass and robbed of his phone and car.
He also revealed that the suspects confessed to several car thefts in Osogbo before their arrest.
“Our Anti-Robbery Section acted swiftly, tracked the suspects to their hideouts, and successfully arrested them. Since the apprehension of these syndicates, cases of car theft have reduced drastically,” the CP added.
In another operation, three suspected cultists, 32 year old Jackson Enwerem, 26 year old Ridwan Alowode and 28 year old Ademiju Oludare, were arrested in Ilesa and Osogbo for unlawful possession of firearms and membership of a proscribed group.
A locally made Marcarov pistol with an empty magazine was recovered from one of the suspects, who confessed to being a member of the Alora/Vikings confraternity.
Gotan explained that the Anti-Cultism Unit acted on credible intelligence to raid criminal hideouts, resulting in the arrests.
“We are intensifying efforts to arrest other fleeing members of these deadly groups,” he said.
The CP also confirmed the arrest of a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, identified as 28 year old Adedeji Ibrahim in Apomu.
Items recovered from him include an unlicensed single-barrel gun, two motorcycles, one red Golf salon car, camouflage uniforms, and a total sum of N9.54 million.
According to the police, “N8.12 million of the total amount was traced to the suspect’s bank account. He was also found in possession of military wear and a sword, which raises suspicion of impersonation.”
The police also arrested four men;
– 35 year old, Lamidi Dada, 21 year old, Lamidi Wasiu, 29 year old Adeleke Jamiu and 34 year old Yunusa Sodiq, for conspiracy and theft of a motorcycle valued at N1.3 million.
Gotan said the suspects were traced to Ibadan following a report made at the Ikire Area Command.
“The stolen motorcycle has yet to be recovered, but investigations are ongoing to apprehend the final buyer,” he confirmed.
Gotan, who reported that two firearms were recovered, alongside five vehicles, two motorcycles, nine phones, and the sum of N9.5 million, added that all the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
Osun: Police nab armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping suspects in sting operations