Police arrests 208 suspected criminals in Ondo
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command arrested more than 200 suspected criminals across the state in the last two months.
The suspects, according to the command, were said to have committed various offences, including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft, and fraudulent conversion of properties.
Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, Police Public Relations Officer of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ayanlade said the command made the achievement since the assumption of office of Adebowale Lawal, the state Commissioner of Police.
The statement read, “In line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and in close collaboration with the Government of Ondo State ably led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the command has intensified its crime-fighting strategies, resulting in the arrest of no fewer than 208 suspects for various offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft to fraudulent conversion of properties.”
The PPRO further stated that out of the suspects, 99 suspects had been arraigned in court, while not less than 35 convictions had already been secured.
“It is worthy of note that in less than 72 hours, the command successfully arrested all individuals involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
“Similarly, in less than five days, the command apprehended a commercial motorcycle operator (“okada rider”) who doubled as an informant for kidnappers and his gang in the case involving the abduction of an AAUA staff member. All those connected to this heinous crime have since been arrested and are undergoing prosecution.
“In addition, the command has so far recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol, alongside 12 stolen vehicles from criminal syndicates.”
The PPRO, who stressed that security was a collective responsibility, appealed to residents to remain vigilant, “continue to volunteer actionable intelligence, and resist the temptation of aiding or conspiring with criminal elements.”
“The disturbing cases of some okada riders and other indigenous individuals conniving with criminals in kidnapping and other violent crimes underscore the need for sustained community-police partnership. All hands must remain on deck to rid Ondo State of criminality and ensure a safer society for all.”
