The Ondo State Police Command has smashed several criminal gangs operating across the state, arresting thirteen suspects linked to cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, cyber fraud, and livestock theft.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this in Akure during a press briefing, where he detailed the Command’s latest operational breakthroughs
According to the CP, the series of coordinated operations, which cut across Owo, Akoko, Ondo, and Akure axis, resulted in the recovery of firearms, stolen goods, and live animals, as well as the rescue of kidnapped victims.
On October 26, operatives stormed Ipele in Owo Local Government Area and arrested two suspected cultists, identified as Lawason Munini and another, for alleged involvement in cult and armed robbery activities.
A pump-action gun was recovered from the suspects, who reportedly confessed to belonging to a notorious group known as the Malians Club, with about ten active members.
Police sources said the gang used a hideout along Ipele Road for meetings and operations. The CP added that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members and recover more weapons.
In another major success, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit engaged a group of kidnappers in a fierce gun duel along the Oka–Akungba axis.
“One of the bandits was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. We recovered two locally-made pistols and expended cartridges,” CP Lawal said.
All three victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
Detectives also arrested one Ayodeji Oluwapelumi Samuel, accused of hacking the WhatsApp account of a retired senior police officer and defrauding her associates of over ₦1 million.
Using a court order, operatives tracked the suspect’s PalmPay account and digital footprint to Ibillo/Ososo, Edo State, where he was apprehended.
The CP said: “This case reflects our determination to leverage technology and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle cyber fraud networks.”
Two suspects, Kazeem Olabintan and Akeem Olayiwola, are under investigation for defrauding two businessmen of twelve Boxer motorcycles worth ₦19 million under false pretence.
The police said the duo lured victims with a hire-purchase scheme, defaulted on payments, and later connived with others to cart away more motorcycles.
The CP described the case as “a warning to criminal syndicates who exploit commercial trust to defraud business owners.”
In Akure, police operatives arrested Ogunjimi Blessing (female) and Mayowa Alonge (male) for breaking into a residence and stealing items valued at ₦3.39 million, including a generator, electrical wires, and POP materials.
Recovered items also included a toy gun and criminal charms. The suspects are to face prosecution after investigation.
Another suspect, Adekugbe Moses (29), was arrested for obtaining ₦10 million from an engineer under the pretext of supplying medical laboratory equipment — an Agfa Drystar 5302Shimaozo Mobile X-Ray, and Digitizers
Police said the suspect absconded to Lagos after collecting the funds but was eventually arrested. He confessed to diverting the money for personal use.
On October 28, operatives intercepted a blue Nissan Primera conveying seven live goats suspected to have been stolen from Osun State.
The driver, Adewale Olafusi, and his accomplice, Akinmuyiwa Tope, were arrested alongside two receivers, Usman Muritala and Ebenezer Akinnagbe, in Ondo Town.
CP Lawal said all suspects would be charged to court.
The police boss commended the cooperation of residents and local vigilantes, pledging continuous intelligence-led operations.
“The Command remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all residents through strategic intelligence gathering, community partnership, and robust patrols,” he added.
Recovered Exhibits Include: One pump-action gun, two locally-made pistols, cartridges, mobile phones
Otters are: one Elepaq generator, assorted electrical wires worth ₦1.55m, toy gun and criminal charms and seven even live goats