• Osun Police parade suspects for murder, robbery, cultism

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

A 23-year-old suspected armed robber, Godwin Emmanuel, has confessed to stealing a police officer’s phone while being transported in a patrol van to a station in Osun State.

Emmanuel, who was paraded alongside two accomplices, Olajide Kareem (28) and Mike Emmanuel (33), is accused of armed robbery and assaulting a 65-year-old woman on the Ilesa-Osu Expressway.

Speaking with journalists, Emmanuel narrated how he stole the phone inside the patrol van. “I was arrested for armed robbery. While being transported, I stole a phone in the patrol van. I didn’t know it was a police phone. I beg for forgiveness. I wanted to use it to call my people because they didn’t know I had been arrested,” he said.

The suspect, who has been in detention for two months, explained that he secretly carried the phone into the cell, removed its SIM card, and attempted to use it before officers discovered it. “They later searched me and found the phone. Please tell them to forgive me. I won’t do it again,” he pleaded.

Earlier, the Osun State Police Command paraded several suspects linked to various crimes, including murder, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Briefing journalists while parading the suspects, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Umar, highlighted recent successes achieved by the command, revealing a series of arrests across the state.

According to Opalola, five suspects, including Ogunsola Roqeeb (23), Akeem Akinola (36), Lamidi Abass (38), Ibrahim Quadri (22), and Adeyemi Adijat (58), were arrested in connection with the death of Adewale Temitope.

The incident occurred on 6 November 2024, when Temitope and another individual reportedly stole beverages from a shop at Asumon Junction, Ede. “The shop owner, Adeyemi Adijat, raised the alarm, leading to hoodlums in the area attacking Temitope, who succumbed to the injuries sustained. Exhibits recovered include cannabis, beverages, and cigarettes,” Opalola explained.

Cultism and Armed Robbery
A notorious cultist, Bakare Saheed, also known as “Ewe” (32), was apprehended for crimes including armed robbery and murder. The police stated that Saheed confessed to the 2020 killing of a rival cult member under the orders of another cult leader, Bode Owoeye. He also admitted to possessing firearms used in various crimes. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Arrest for Possession of Firearms
The command arrested Oladele Sunday, alias “Okoro” (26), linked to the activities of a cult gang. Two locally made single-barrel pistols were recovered from him. According to the police, Sunday had previously fled Osun State to evade arrest but later regrouped with another cult group in Ilesha.

Robbery Syndicate Busted
Olamilekan Olayinka (30) was arrested for his involvement in a robbery syndicate terrorising the Ife/Modakeke area. The police recovered items, including phones and ammunition. The suspect admitted to targeting Ile-Ife residents during a festival.

Armed Robbery and Rape Case
Three suspects, Olajide Kareem (28), Mike Emmanuel (33), and Godwin Emmanuel (23), were paraded for robbing travellers on the Ilesa-Osu Expressway. A 65-year-old victim identified Kareem as the person who raped her during the robbery. The incident also resulted in the death of the victim’s husband.

Stolen Vehicle Syndicate Cracked
A syndicate involved in stealing and reselling vehicles was dismantled, with suspects including Lawan Yaro (30), Gambo Dugje (34), and others arrested. Several stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Camry and a Venza, were recovered during investigations.

The police reassured residents of their commitment to ensuring safety in the state. CP Umar called on members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. All suspects will be prosecuted upon the completion of investigations.