…recover cut-to-size pistol

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested a middle-aged man, identified as Segun Ogunfunmilayo, for allegedly attempting to kill a shop owner in the Bihari/Ishola area of Ede, Osun State.

The suspect was said to have visited a shop in the area to purchase an energy drink worth ₦500. He then requested an additional ₦400 in cash from the shop owner, promising to transfer a total sum of ₦900 electronically.

Trusting the suspect, the shop owner agreed to the arrangement. However, upon realising that no credit alert was received, he confronted Ogunfunmilayo over the failed transaction.

Angered by the confrontation, the suspect reportedly retrieved a cut-to-size pistol from his bag and shot the shop owner in the left hand and right arm before fleeing the scene.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adeoye Akeem Adeola, said operatives, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), launched a manhunt and successfully apprehended the suspect at his hideout.

He disclosed that a cut-to-size pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from the suspect as evidence.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the National Association of Sea Lords or ‘Alora.’ This group has been linked to various forms of violence and organised crime in the country,” Adeola stated.

He added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police spokesman also warned individuals engaging in unlawful assembly to desist or risk severe consequences, stressing that cult-related activities remain a major security threat in some parts of the state.