By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Oyo State Police Command has announced that arrest of three suspected armed robbers, who are allegedly part of a vehicle-snatching syndicate operating within Ibadan and its environs.
In a statement by its public relations officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, posted on its official X account on Tuesday, June 23, the police command said the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by its operatives.
The statement noted that the suspects were apprehended after police received credible intelligence on June 20 regarding the activities of a group specialising in the theft of exotic vehicles from unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that members of the vehicle-snatching syndicate were planning to converge around the Olorunsogo area of Ibadan ahead of intended robbery operations within and outside the state capital.
The police said the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, subsequently directed operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to act on the information and arrest those involved.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Akinpelu Afeez, 39, also known as “Starboy”; Taiwo Adams, 45, popularly called “Adamson”; and Salawudeen Taofeeq, 35, alias “T.K.”
The statement added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being involved in multiple vehicle-snatching operations across Ibadan metropolis.
According to the statement, the suspects also admitted to using locally fabricated firearms in carrying out their criminal activities.
Following the confessions, detectives reportedly obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspects’ hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan.
The statement read, “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in a series of vehicle-snatching operations across Ibadan metropolis and admitted to using locally fabricated firearms in carrying out their criminal activities.
“Following their confessional statements, a search warrant was executed at the suspects’ hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan. During the operation, detectives recoveres to locally made cut-to-size single-barrel guns and six live catridges concealed within the premises.”
The command noted that investigations were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and dismantle the criminal network.
“Investigation is currently ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate, dismantle the network, and identify and arrest receivers and buyers of stolen vehicles and other proceeds of crime,” the statement added.
Reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to tackling crime, the police said efforts would continue to target violent criminals and their collaborators across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police reassures residents of Oyo State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes and dismantling criminal networks operating within the State,” the statement noted.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with useful information that could be of help in crime-fighting operations.
