Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Four suspected armed robbers and cultists were on Tuesday paraded by the Osun State Police Command for terrorising Osogbo and its environs.
The suspects were also alleged of raiding and stealing money from POS operators, market women and members of the public.
The suspects are; Tope Gbenga aka Jembe, M’, 21, Olaide Adelu aka Okiki, M, 22, Arowolo Yusufs, M, 22 and Opeyemi Obaniwa, M, 23, aka Omojo Ibo.
While parading the suspects, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode said on June 26, 2021 around 4:40pm, the intelligence led Policing strategies put in place yielded another success as the dreaded and notorious serial killer, one Tope Gbenga popularly known as Jembe and his cohorts were arrested.
“The daredevil serial killer Jembe was arrested along with his gangs by the Police operatives from Oja Oba Divisional headquarters in collaboration with the local security outfits.”
He said the exhibits found on the suspects are three cut to size single barrel guns and some cartridges.
Olokode said the serial killer suspects had been linked to various armed robberies, cultism and killings within Osogbo and the environs.
“The suspects confessed to the crimes and led Police crack detectives to their armoury in a Banana plantation at Oke Baale area of the State and recovered the exhibits.
“Also, mop up operations were carried out at house of the kingpin of the gang, Jembe and a locally fabricated barrel pistol gun was also recovered.
“This success was a follow up to the arrest of gang armourer, one Omoboriowo Azisat ‘f’ aged 23 years, earlier on June 12, 2021 at Oke Abesu area, Osogbo while attempting to kill one Olugbode Joshua aka Ole.
Meanwhile, three suspected vehicles robbers were also paraded.
A 48-year-old driver, Adejumo Olalekan was paraded for stealing and converting a mini bus for personal use while Rafiu Olaniyi, 50, and Lawal Akinloye, 48, were arrested for stealing an unregistered Toyota Camry big daddy.
Speaking on the 48-year-old Adejumo, the CP said, “The complainant reported at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters that he employed the service of one Adejumo Olalekan of Oke-Baale, area, Osogbo to drive his unregistered Suzuki Mini Bus conveying to and from pupils of his Criterion Nursery and Primary School located at Kelebe area, Osogbo.
“But on getting to his house in the early hours of June 8, 2021, he discovered that the said driver had disappeared with the vehicle. On receipt of the complaint, the police navigated its investigation tentacles to Ajah area of Lagos State and apprehended the suspect with the exhibit who had registered the vehicle in his own name and was using it for commercial purpose in Lagos State.”
The police boss said the suspects will be charged to court after the completion of investigation.
Olokode while assuring members of the public of safety, adequate protection, also enjoined the general public to be wary of these youths with bags sling across their neck as so many dangerous things are contained therein.
He said the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the state is free from all kinds of criminal elements.