The Oyo State Police Command has arrested ten suspected armed robbers in the Genesis Hotel area of Challenge, Ibadan, and recovered stolen items valued at about ₦100 million.
The police made this known in a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan by the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to him, the suspects were arrested after weeks of surveillance by operatives who were acting on intelligence reports about the activities of a robbery syndicate operating across several states.
The suspects were identified as 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.
Ayanlade said the suspects were apprehended at their hideout around the Genesis Hotel area in Challenge, Ibadan.
He said, “Operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, laid surveillance for weeks before successfully apprehending a notorious armed robbery syndicate at their hideout located within the Genesis Hotel area, Challenge, Ibadan.
“The criminal gang, known for hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting valuable goods, operates across state lines and was intercepted, leading to the arrest of ten suspects at the scene.”
The police spokesman added that several stolen items were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
He said, “A substantial cache of stolen items was recovered from the suspects, including forty units of air conditioners, ten washing machines, one electric motorcycle, assorted creams, seven cutting machines, fifteen packs of LED lights, twenty-five packs of furniture gum, numerous trailer spare parts, women’s hair relaxers, wigs, chin chin, as well as furniture and painters’ materials. The total value of the recovered exhibits is estimated at ₦100,000,000.”
Ayanlade explained that the suspects had confessed to their roles in the robbery activities and were assisting investigators to track down other members of the gang who are still on the run.
“The suspects have confessed to their various involvement in the crime and are currently cooperating with the investigation. Their confessions are aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the operatives involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism and commitment.
He also appreciated residents who provided useful information to the police, noting that public support remained vital in fighting crime.
The command urged residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to improve safety across the state.
The CP also advised hotel operators to work closely with the police by reporting suspicious activities in their facilities.
He said, “Investigation has revealed that many criminal elements often hibernate in hotels to plan and execute their operations. Consequently, the management of the hotel mentioned in this case has been invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.”
The police said the suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
The command added that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
