Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the armed robbery and gruesome m8rder of a 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat, in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who disclosed this to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, said the armed assailants dispossessed the victim of his motorcycle and other valuables after he was shot.
He, however, said detectives from the Yaba Division, after acting on credible intelligence, arrested one of the suspects, Adeife Adewumi, a native of Idanre who resides in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The suspect was apprehended after he was found in possession of the victim’s stolen motorcycle. The arrest of Adewumi led to the arrest of three others who participated in the crime.
The Police Commissioner explained that a broader intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Commander of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) led to the arrest of Johnson Mathew and Disu Sunday in Ilara-Mokin, in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
He disclosed that the duo confessed to being part of the gang that carried out the robbery and murder of Sabbat, while two locally fabricated cut-to-size guns, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge were recovered from them.
According to the police boss, further investigation led to the arrest of an 87-year-old man, identified as the Chief Kogbona of Odole Street in Idanre, who was identified as the supplier of arms and ammunition to the syndicate.
“A search of his home uncovered ten (10) live cartridges, firmly linking him to the criminal gang. He is currently in custody and is expected to face prosecution along with the other suspects,” the CP stated.
Lawal confirmed that all suspects are in custody and that the recovered exhibits have been securely documented as investigations continue.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which places emphasis on people-centred policing, intelligence-led operations, and an uncompromising pursuit of justice,” the statement read
“All four suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Akure, and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.”
The Command assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of the syndicate still on the run.
