Three Suspects Arrested in Ekiti State for Kidnapping and Armed Robbery

 

In a significant breakthrough, the Ekiti State Police Command has successfully arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery. This operation took place as part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.

The arrests were made by Safer Highway Operatives during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted along the Awo-Ekiti/Igede-Ekiti road last weekend. According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the suspects were intercepted while traveling in a commercial vehicle. They initially claimed to be traveling from Ondo State to Kwara State, but upon closer inspection, the operatives suspected them of being armed robbers.

The suspects have been identified as Sunday Idoko, Gabriel Sunday, and Olayiwola Olajide. They were apprehended after their vehicle was flagged down by the police. "It took the bravery and professional tactics of the Operatives to arrest them, as they initially tried to escape arrest by approaching the checkpoint at high speed," said SP Sunday Abutu, highlighting the tense nature of the operation.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a particular cult group and had been traveling to Kwara State to carry out an operation. During the search, several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, including a locally made pistol concealed in a towel, two live cartridges, three mobile phones, a power bank, a substance suspected to be a charm, and a large sum of cash amounting to one hundred and fifty-five thousand naira.

In addition to these arrests, another individual, identified as Abubakar Sadiu, was apprehended in a commercial bus. Sadiu was also suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities. According to the police, Sadiu attempted to bribe the officers with fifty thousand naira (#50,000) in an effort to avoid arrest, but the officers rejected the bribe and took him into custody. Sadiu, who also claimed to be traveling from Ondo State to Kwara State, was unable to provide specific details about his intended destination in either state.

A thorough search of Sadiu’s belongings revealed a large sum of money—three hundred and ninety-seven thousand naira (#397,000), along with other items including 10 kilograms of red oil, two smartphones, a head torch light, a lighter, an empty black bag, and a black face cap.

The suspects are currently undergoing further investigations, and their cases are being closely examined. SP Sunday Abutu assured the public that the police were committed to uncovering the full scope of the suspects' criminal activities and bringing them to justice.

In a bid to ensure that such crimes are eradicated, the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has called on residents of Ekiti State to support the police in their efforts, particularly during stop-and-search operations. “The cooperation of the public, especially during routine checks, is crucial to the success of our fight against crime and criminality in the state,” Abutu quoted the Commissioner of Police as saying.

The arrests mark a positive step towards ensuring that Ekiti State remains safe and secure for its residents, as the police continue to tackle the challenges posed by criminal elements. The public’s continued support will be vital in maintaining the momentum of these operations and ensuring that the state remains free from the threat of criminal activities like kidnapping and armed robbery.