By Adesakin Adefemi
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers with a toy pistol during a patrol within Ibadan, the state capital. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Ayanlade said the toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession.
The statement reads, “On 6th April, 2026, at about 1230 hours, operatives attached to Bodija Housing Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along Awolowo Road, Bodija, intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH.
The motorcycle was ridden by one Godwin Cletus ‘M’ aged 26, and conveying two pillion passengers identified as Adedokun Isah ‘M’ aged 17, and Rafiu Usman ‘M’ aged 19, all residents of Gbaremu area, Ibadan. The interception, which was based on reasonable suspicion, led to a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings.
In the course of the search, a toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered, alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession. This discovery heightened suspicion and provided reasonable grounds for their immediate arrest, as it suggested possible involvement in criminal activities.
Ayanlade said upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to engaging in the robbery of unsuspecting members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables, adding that their confessional statements had since provided useful leads, thereby strengthening ongoing investigative efforts.
The suspects have been taken into custody, while a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the full extent of their criminal operations and to identify other possible accomplices within their network.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
The arrest is part of the police command’s efforts to curb criminal activities in the state. The public is urged to continue providing information to aid the police in their efforts to maintain law and order.
The police command’s swift action has been praised by residents, who hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities.
