Police smash robbery syndicate, recover N100m stolen goods in Ibadan

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on violent crime with the arrest of a 10-member armed robbery syndicate and the recovery of stolen items valued at about ₦100 million in Ibadan.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects were apprehended after weeks of surveillance based on credible intelligence.

Olayinka said the syndicate, known for hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting goods across state lines, was arrested at its hideout around the Genesis Hotel area in Challenge, Ibadan.

He stated that the suspects include Mukaila Omorayo, 48; Adekanbi Adesola, 39; Ahmed Oderinlo, 38; Samuel Omoseyin, 53; Ramon Saheed, 52; Monilola Ajayi, 58; Akanbi Bisi, 51; Wasilat Abdullahi, 48; Bolaji Tanimola, 51; and Adeola Oyesina, 51.

Olayinka noted that a large cache of stolen items was recovered during the operation, including 40 air conditioners, 10 washing machines, one electric motorcycle, assorted creams, seven cutting machines, 15 packs of LED lights, 25 packs of furniture gum, trailer spare parts, wigs, hair relaxers, chin chin, as well as furniture and painters’ materials.

He added that the total value of the recovered exhibits is estimated at ₦100 million.

The police spokesman stated that the suspects have confessed to their roles in the crimes and are currently assisting investigators with useful information to track down other members of the syndicate still at large.

Olayinka said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience in executing the operation.

He added that the Commissioner also appreciated members of the public for providing credible intelligence, noting that such cooperation remains vital in crime prevention and detection.

The police image maker further stated that the Commissioner advised hotel operators to be vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.

Olayinka noted that preliminary investigations revealed that criminal elements often use hotels as operational bases, adding that the management of the hotel linked to the case has been invited for questioning.

He said the Commissioner also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for strengthening operational effectiveness across commands.

Olayinka added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.