By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has ordered continuous intelligence-led operations across the state to sustain the prevailing peace and security being enjoyed by residents.
The police boss gave the directive during a press briefing and parade of suspects at the Command Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, where he also highlighted the recent achievements of the Command in curbing crime.
According to CP Eribo, all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Heads of Operations, and Intelligence Units have been mandated to intensify raids on criminal hideouts, conduct constant bush combing, and strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies and non-state actors.
One of the incidents reported by the Command involved the arrest of a self-acclaimed prophet, Ajayi Oluwatoyin, aged 40, by operatives of the Iworoko Divisional Police Headquarters.
He was accused of raping a 20-year old, 100-level student of Ekiti State University who had gone to his church for prayers.
According to the victim, she had been attending the prophet’s church with her friends to seek divine favour but was assaulted after being given a liquid substance that made her drowsy. She later woke up to find evidence of sexual assault.
CP Eribo said the suspect admitted to the crime during interrogation. The case, he noted, has been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Highlighting further operations, the Commissioner disclosed that on September 14, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested two suspects, Bolaji Kazeem and Isa Sikirulahi, during an intelligence-led surveillance in Ado-Ekiti.
The suspects were intercepted while riding a TVS NEO motorcycle at Isato area of Ado-Ekiti. A locally made pistol loaded with a live cartridge and a battle axe were recovered from them.
During interrogation, the duo confessed to specialising in stealing vehicles and motorcycles within Ado-Ekiti metropolis, including two Toyota Camry cars recently sold to a dealer now on the run.
Further investigation led to the recovery of another stolen motorcycle from their hideout in Omisanjana area.
In a related development, on September 25, 2025, one Abolaji Rasheed, alias B.J., from Owena, Osun State, was arrested while attempting to steal a motorcycle along Igbara-Odo road, Ogotun-Ekiti. His gang members managed to escape the scene.
The suspect confessed to belonging to a syndicate that had stolen four motorcycles in recent times, which were sold to buyers in Osun State. A Boxer Bajaj motorcycle used by the gang was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
CP Eribo also narrated the case of one Ajetomobi Ayomide, aged 22, who was arrested by Aramoko Divisional Headquarters on September 25, 2025, for repeatedly defiling an eight-year-old girl.
According to the report, the suspect, who was an apprentice under the victim’s father, took advantage of the child while her parents were away and threatened to kill her if she spoke up.
The mother of the victim later observed health complications before the abuse was discovered.
During interrogation, the suspect admitted to having carnal knowledge of the child on four occasions. The case has been handed over to the Gender Unit of the State CID for detailed investigation and prosecution.
Earlier, on September 11, 2025, operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, Mohammed Jamiu and Ahmed, for stealing a DYNA 150 Toyota Cabster vehicle parked at Tipper Garage, Ijiku-Ijigbo, Ado-Ekiti. They were apprehended while attempting to drive the stolen vehicle out of town.
The suspects confessed that they were taking the vehicle to their master, who is currently at large. The Command is pursuing leads to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover other stolen items.
While reaffirming his commitment to the safety of lives and property, CP Eribo commended residents for their cooperation and timely information, which he said have been instrumental to the Command’s successes.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station, or call the Command’s emergency number 08062335577.
“Under my leadership, the Command will continue to make Ekiti unsafe for criminals.
Those who refuse to repent should be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” the Commissioner warned.