Dare Babalola
The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm in Ibadan.
According to a statement on Thursday by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search exercise by men of the Operations Department on Tuesday.
The suspects, identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed (19), Biodun Fatai (18), and Muiz Salawudeen (18), were intercepted in an unregistered tricycle, popularly known as “Keke Maruwa”.
A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to involvement in several armed robbery cases in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, including snatching mobile phones and motorcycles, and dispossessing residents of valuables at gunpoint.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command Monitoring Unit for further investigation.
The Oyo State Police Command commended the vigilance of its operatives and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. They will be charged to court after investigation.
The police command also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and support, and urged members of the public to cooperate with police operatives to sustain public safety.
