Osun Police Arrest Suspected Hoodlum, Political Thugs, Motorcycle Robbers

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected hoodlum, three suspected motorcycle robbers and two suspected political thugs in separate operations across the state, while also recovering stolen property and other incriminating exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed the development during a press briefing on Monday, highlighting recent successes recorded by the Command in its efforts to combat crime and maintain public order.

According to the Police Commissioner, the Command responded swiftly to clashes that erupted on July 20 between rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osogbo after a protest over access to motor parks.

He said normalcy was restored, but later that evening, police received a distress call about armed hoodlums shooting sporadically around Oke-Ijetu area of Osogbo.

The Commissioner explained that operatives of the Anti-Robbery and Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) responded to the scene, where they came under heavy gunfire from the suspected hoodlums believed to be loyal to one Wakili Alowonle. Three security operatives sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment.

Police arrested one suspect, Adedeji Saheed Opeyemi, 40, who allegedly confessed that he was invited to the scene by an associate identified as Sibi after receiving instructions from the alleged gang leader. According to the police, the suspect also disclosed that he was handed a pump-action gun before the attack.

Items recovered from the scene include six expended cartridges, four vehicles, four motorcycles, military camouflage and suspected criminal charms. Police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

In another operation, police arrested three suspects over the theft of a Bajaj motorcycle stolen from a commercial rider at Osunjela area of Osogbo on July 19.

The suspects, identified as Kamarudeen Babatunde, Lekan Usman and an alleged receiver, Moses Oyebade of Ondo State, were arrested after intelligence-led investigations traced the stolen motorcycle to Modakeke. The motorcycle has since been recovered.

The Command also announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs, Alawode Ridwan and Ajibade Ahmed, who were allegedly causing a disturbance around the Amadia area of Osogbo on July 16.

The Police Commissioner said all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.