The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 12 suspects involved in several crimes, including armed hand, cultism and kidnapping, after a series of operations led by intelligence throughout the State.
Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Gotan, revealed this during a press conference held at the headquarters of the state command, Ring Road, Osogbo on Wednesday.
The informative session was held to highlight the recent achievements recorded by the command.
Gotan said that arrests and recoveries were the results of the proactive strategies of the command and the collection of sustained intelligence.
According to him, “five alleged armed thieves were arrested for their participation in multiple robberies and robberies, which led to the recovery of four vehicles and several mobile phones.
“The suspects, identified as Yemi Ariyo (Ring Leader), Oke themeitope, Odewale Olajide, Imisi Ajewole and Obanla Peter (receiver), were arrested in several places in Bear and Abuja between September 5 and 6, 2025.
“Exhibitions recovered from suspects include a Toyota Avalon car with the KWL 690 BW registration number, a Toyota Venza, a Lexus is 300 and a 2010 Toyota Camry model.
Gotan declared that the arrests followed a report by a victim who was attacked with a mortario and stole his phone and his car.
He also revealed that the suspects confessed several car thefts in Osoagbo before his arrest.
“Our anti -theft section acted quickly, tracked the suspects to their hiding places and arrested them successfully. Since the apprehension of these unions, cases of car theft have been drastically reduced,” added the CP.
In another operation, three alleged cultists, Jackson Enwerem, 32, Ridwan Alowode, 28 and Ademiju Oludare, 28, were arrested in Ilaesa and Bear for illegal possession of firearms and membership of a banned group.
A Mariaov gun was recovered with an empty magazine of one of the suspects, which confessed to being a member of the fellowship of Alora/Vikings.
Gotan explained that the Anti -Cultural Unit acted on credible intelligence to attack criminal hiding places, which resulted in arrests.
“We are intensifying the efforts to arrest other members fleeing these fatal groups,” he said.
The CP also confirmed the arrest of an alleged thief and armed kidnapper, identified as Adedeji Ibrahim, 28, in Apomu.
The articles recovered from it include a pistol without a single barrel license, two motorcycles, a red golf hall car, camouflage uniforms and a total sum of N9.54 million.
According to the police, “N8.12 million of the total amount date back to the suspect’s bank account. It was also found in possession of military clothing and a sword, which raises suspicion of impersonation.”
Police also arrested four men;
– Lamidi Dada, 35 years old, 21, Lamidi Wasiu, Adeleke Jamiu, 29, and Yunusa Sodiq, 34, for conspiracy and theft of a motorcycle valued at N1.3 million.
Gotan said the suspects were tracked to Ibadan after a report made in the Ikire area command.
“The stolen motorcycle has not yet recovered, but the investigations are ongoing to detain the final buyer,” he confirmed.
Gotan, who reported that two firearms were recovered, along with five vehicles, two motorcycles, nine phones and the sum of N9.5 million, added that all suspects will be accused of courts at the end of the investigations.