Police sweep criminals’ hideouts in Osun, 24 arrested, weapons recovered

By Isa Isawade

The Osun State Police Command has declared total war on criminals and criminality in the state with operatives sweeping hideouts and troubled spots to apprehend crime committers and recover weapons.

The command recorded major breakthrough over the weekend when 24 suspected cultists, armed robbers and political thugs were arrested with weapons and charms recovered from them.

The operations follow the rising incidents of violence in recent times in the state.

The state’s commissioner of police, Ibrahim Gotan, during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Osogbo on Monday said that police moved against criminals following “the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery threatening the peace of the state, some of which have been given political undertones.”

“Through intensified operations, the Command has arrested several suspects linked to these crimes and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” Gotan said.

Below is the list of arrested suspects:
1. KAREEM SAHEED A.K.A. ‘TANFIANI’
2. OYELADUN MUIDEEN A.K.A AKILAPA ‘M’ AGE 46YRS
3. RIDWAN ADEKOLA ‘M’ AGE 39YRS
4. MUKAILA AZEEZ A.K.A. “MIKKI” 33YRS
5. SUNDAY FRIDAY A.K.A. “AKUBE” 26YRS
6. OLAMILEKAN FATAI ‘M’ 27YRS
7. TIAMIYU ISMAIL ‘M’ 26YRS
8. FAMUYIWA ADEKUNLE TOIB ‘M’ 30YRS
9. AJIBOYE TOHEED ‘M’ 28YRS

10. MORUFU SODIQ ‘M’ 24YRS
11. FOLORUNSHO MOSHOOD ‘M’ 31YRS
12. HASSAN SODIQ ‘M’ 32YRS
13. BADIRU SAHEED ‘M’ 26YRS
14. ADEGOKE OLALEKAN ‘M’ 27YRS
15. FARUK OLAWALE ‘M’ 25YRS
16. IYANUOLUWA SARUMI ‘M’ 30YRS
17. AFOLABI AHMED ‘M’ 30YRS
18. ADESHINA LUKMAN ‘M’ 39YRS
19. MUTIU OPEYEMI ‘M’ 32YRS
20. OLUSHOLA DANIEL ‘M’ 32YRS
21. ABIOLA OLABODE ‘M’ 39YRS
22. AZEEZ ABIODUN ‘M’ 32YRS
23. BABATUNDE KEHINDE ‘M’ 23YRS
24. DADA MAYOWA ‘M’ 31YRS

Gotan added: “I want to reiterate the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the forthcoming elections.

“I am using this avenue to warn all criminally minded individuals, including cultists, political thugs, and other troublemakers, to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full wrath of the law.

“I further assure law-abiding residents of Osun State that, the command under my watch will continue to prioritise their safety and at the same time seek more support and cooperation, while I promise to remain professional, neutral, and non-partisan in the discharge of my constitutional responsibilities and continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.”