The Osun State Police Command has apprehended three suspected armed robbers and recovered a cache of stolen items during coordinated security operations across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, said the arrests form part of intensified efforts to clamp down on criminal activities in Osun.
The suspects, identified as Akinwale Morufu (43), Banji Tope (40), and Banji Olumide (30), were linked to a series of robbery incidents within the state.
According to the police, the breakthrough began when operatives from the Iragbiji Divisional Headquarters acted on intelligence regarding a suspicious black bag hidden in an uncompleted building.
Upon inspection, the bag was found to contain a locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol, a Tecno Android phone, a knife, a Moniepoint ATM card, a catapult, a padlock, and a voter’s card.
Investigations led to the arrest of the voter’s card owner, who admitted ownership of the bag, the weapon, and the catapult but denied possession of the phone and ATM card.
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Further technical analysis enabled police to trace the phone to its rightful owner, who confirmed it had been stolen during a robbery at her residence on April 4, 2026. The victim disclosed that armed men invaded her home around 5:00 a.m., carting away her phone, ATM card, and ₦89,000 at gunpoint.
In a related development, the Command responded to a distress call on April 19 involving a robbery attack at a cooking gas shop in Isale Oyo, Iragbiji. During the incident, the victim was shot in both legs by one of the assailants, who made away with cash, two iPhone 11 Pro Max devices, and a motorcycle.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, tracked and arrested Banji Tope in Ikirun, recovering the stolen motorcycle. Another suspect, Banji Olumide, was also subsequently apprehended.
The injured victim is currently receiving medical treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to maintain peace and security across the state. He added that all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
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