By Bukola Olamona

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested the prime suspect behind the cold-blooded murder of a renowned businessman, Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, who was gruesomely killed on March 1, 2025, in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest came on the heels of weeks of intensive investigation and advanced technical surveillance by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

Confirming the development, the Command disclosed that the suspect, identified as Afolabi Ijalo, was apprehended in Ore on Wednesday, April 10, 2025.

Upon a thorough search of his residence, police operatives reportedly recovered a locally made pistol suspected to have been used in carrying out the heinous act. Other items recovered include assorted charms and dangerous cudgels.

According to the Police, the suspect is currently in custody and has allegedly made a “useful confession” during interrogation that may lead to the arrest of other accomplices in the crime.

Speaking on the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, assured the public that a discreet and comprehensive investigation was ongoing, vowing that the Command would ensure justice is served and the culprits brought to book.

It would be recalled that the deceased, a popular dealer in building materials, identified as Ismaila Awoyinka, was shot at close range by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins in the Idi Mango area of Ore, close to Caring Heart Mega School, on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants had strategically positioned themselves in a stall near the residence of the businessman and patiently waited for him to return from the mosque after observing the Taraweeh prayer.

The attackers, who had reportedly been monitoring his movement, pounced on him shortly after he arrived and shot him at close range, ripping open his intestines. The sound of gunfire sent residents of the area fleeing in different directions for safety.

Police say investigations are still ongoing to unravel the full motive behind the killing and apprehend all those connected to the dastardly act.