By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
In a significant security breakthrough, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a total of ten suspects in two separate high-profile criminal cases, including the murder of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative and a series of armed robberies at a rural farming settlement.
The police, in a prompt response to the fatal shooting of an NDLEA officer at Akinnawonu community in Itanla, Ondo City on Wednesday, stormed the crime scene shortly after the incident occurred in the early hours of the day.
The swift deployment of operatives led to the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to the killing, alongside the recovery of a single-barrel firearm believed to have been used in the attack.
The victim was reportedly carrying out his lawful duty when he was ambushed and gunned down.
Describing the development as a testament to its commitment to the safety of law enforcement officers and residents, the Command reaffirmed its resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal Adebowale, in his reaction, praised the operatives for their quick action, adding that investigations are ongoing and further details will be disclosed in due course.
In a separate operation, the police busted an armed robbery syndicate operating in the Kabiyesi Camp, Laoso axis of the state, following a petition filed by Wole Akindiose & Co Chambers on behalf of local farmers.
The petition detailed cases of armed robbery, forcible entry, and illegal possession of firearms by a group led by one Dotun Olatunji, also known as Ajekurin.
Acting on the complaint, the Command’s Monitoring Unit launched a raid on the location on July 19, resulting in the arrest of Olatunji and five other suspected gang members: Olatunji Folajimi, Akinlolu Dotun, Lucky Michael, Mohammed Tairu, and Ali Salisu.
A cache of weapons and items linked to criminal activity were seized, including a Jojeff pump-action gun, a locally made barrel gun, sixteen live cartridges, a short battle axe, seven cutlasses, and an unregistered motorcycle.
Officers also found drug-related paraphernalia such as an ice-smoking bottle, along with sharpening files and headlamps used for night operations.
The Police Command noted that the dismantling of the syndicate aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for a professional and accountable policing system driven by intelligence and public cooperation.
Police spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, while speaking on behalf of CP Lawal Adebowale, restated the Command’s resolve to pursue justice relentlessly.
He urged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies to enhance security across the state.
