Police arrest 18 suspects for ‘murder, cultism, illegal firearms possession’ in Ondo

The Ondo police command says 18 suspects have been arrested for alleged involvement in crimes across the state.

The police said the crimes ranged from rape, cultism, murder, and illegal possession of illicit drugs and human parts.

In a statement on Tuesday, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said four of the suspects were arrested for robbery and killing a gang member identified as Shahabi Jadi.

The suspects were said to have killed Jadi with a machete along Ehinowo camp via Ondo town on October 28.

“The suspect further stated that the deceased was a member of their robbery squad but they had a scuffle when he cheated them and refused to give them their share of the proceed of their loots,” the statement reads.

The police arrested one Monday Joseph who was suspected to be a cultist, and Omowaye Tope, for illegal possession of firearms in parts of the state.

‘SINGING RIDICULOUS SONG’

In another development, a suspect identified as Esther Ufeli was apprehended for possession of illicit drugs along new site Olaoluwa street, Oka, Ondo town.

The operatives discovered weed suspected to be Indian hemp, while a white substance and capsules believed to be hard drugs, were also found on the suspect.

“In the same vein, on the 12th of October, 2023, at about 1400hrs, the police through a tip off got information about one Adebisi Olorunleke ‘m’ A.K.A Pure water, of Odigbo via Ore, of having a warehouse that houses dangerous weapons and Indian hemp,” Odunlami-Omisanya said.

“A team of policemen attached to the CP’s Special Squad, invaded the place, a search was conducted but only sacks containing weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered while the suspect was also arrested.

“Suspect will be charged to court at the end of the investigation.

“In the same vein, on 25th of October, 2023 at about 2300hrs, police got an Intel that some young men were seen along Ijare road via Akure, heading towards Ikota Junction along Ijare road with vehicle suspected to contain incriminating items.

“Operatives of special weapons and tactics swung into action and arrested one Sunday Akinfisoye ‘m’ aged 23 years at a criminal hideout.

“While conducting a search, 69 bags of weed suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered from the suspect. Suspect would be charged to court at the end of investigation.”

Also, one chief Moses Adeyemo, allegedly shot at some youths who were celebrating Ajagbo festival while on procession to the emir’s palace.

The suspect claimed the youths were singing a “ridiculous song” in the community.

“Police operatives visited the scene and found six (6) expended cartridges with two (2) victims injured from the bullet wound, victims were rushed to the hospital and the chief was arrested while four (4) Dane guns, two (2) cutlasses and a double barrel gun were recovered,” she said.

The police spokesperson added that a 38-year-old man identified as Temitope Ibukun was arrested for rape in Akungba area of the state.