Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of fourteen additional suspects in connection with the recent attack on police officers in Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities.
The Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan on Sunday, stated that this brings the total number of suspects arrested in relation to the incident to eighteen, following what the Command described as sustained intelligence-led operations.
DSP Ojelabi, said the arrests were carried out under the coordination of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
According to the statement, “the suspects had initially gone into hiding after the attack but were later apprehended through targeted intelligence gathering.”
The police also disclosed that several exhibits were recovered during the operation, including a single-barrel gun, one live cartridge and a cutlass.
Among those arrested are community leaders, “including Olaitan Bashiru, identified as the Baale of Apeponroro, Tajudeen Aralamo, the Baale of Oke Ayepe, and Mustau Salam, the Oluode of Ilobu.”
Other suspects listed by the police include “Jimoh Nurudeen, Adeboye Ashifa, Ajibola Segun, Mustapha Muwaliu, Jimoh Quyum, Ajani Faruq, Musibau Jimoh, Ajani Faruq, Olaniyan Quadri, Fatai Oyawoyin, Basiru Olaogun, Mutairu Olawoyin, Ige Jimoh, Olawoyin Samad and Tajudeen Taorid.”
The Command reiterated its commitment to upholding the human rights of all individuals involved in the case while ensuring justice is served.
“The Command assures that all those involved in the criminal act will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement said.
Police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
On Thursday, the Osun State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the attack.
The police also added that additional individuals linked to the incident had been identified and were being tracked for arrest.
The Command revealed that the officers were attacked while responding to intelligence regarding a potential breakdown of peace between the Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities.
