Eight Suspected Robbers Arrested, Vehicles Recovered
By Wellington Jopelo
The Kwara State Police Command says it has arrested eight suspects connected to a series of armed robberies and killings, after what officials described as a coordinated and intelligence-led push against criminal gangs operating across the state. Two Lexus vehicles and other stolen items were recovered during the operation.
Addressing journalists on Friday at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo said one of the major breakthroughs was the capture of 52-year-old Olatunji Samson, alleged to be the mastermind of a violent robbery attack at Mai Gida Estate, Amoyo, on November 21.
According to the CP, the command received a distress call around 9pm on the day of the incident, reporting a forceful home invasion where the victim and his private security guard were subdued, tied up and assaulted. The attackers reportedly fled with a Lexus RS 350, $10,000, ₦2.95 million, phones, gold jewellery and clothing items.
He said investigators pursued the case using actionable intelligence that eventually led operatives to Ibadan, Oyo State, where members of the gang attempted to sell the stolen Lexus RS 350 for ₦15 million.
The Commissioner added that the arrested suspect confessed to having stolen vehicles for the same criminal network in previous operations. He said two Lexus vehicles had so far been recovered as efforts intensify to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The police vowed that more arrests would follow as the investigation progresses, with authorities insisting that the command would sustain its offensive against violent criminal groups across Kwara State.