The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested four men over their alleged involvement in an armed robbery and burglary syndicate operating in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests followed an investigation into the burglary of a cocoa store in Alade-Idanre, where a bag of cocoa worth about N1.25 million was reportedly stolen.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
Jimoh identified the suspects as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun and Nura Umar.
The statement read: “The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of violent criminals with the arrest of four suspected armed robbers linked to a burglary syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs. The operation also led to the recovery of illegal firearms, further reinforcing the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
“The investigation was triggered by a report made on 15th June, 2026 at the Alade/Atosin Police Station by one Abayomi of Alade-Idanre. The complainant reported that unknown persons had burgled his cocoa store during the night and carted away a bag of cocoa valued at One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦1,250,000).
“Following painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation by detectives, the perpetrators were identified as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun, Nura Umar and other accomplices who are currently at large. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested the four named suspects and commenced further investigation into the activities of the criminal gang.
“During the course of the investigation, additional information received revealed that on 13th March, 2026, the principal suspect, Alex Omotayo, had allegedly invaded the Idanre High School premises armed with two firearms and threatened to kill a security guard whom he accused of shooting at him the previous night. This revelation further established the suspect’s violent criminal disposition and necessitated a comprehensive search of his residence.
“A search warrant was subsequently executed at the residence of the principal suspect, where officers recovered one cut-to-size single-barrel firearm and one locally made revolver concealed within the premises. The recovered weapons have been taken into police custody as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation.
“The Command has since transferred the case file along with the four suspects to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Akure for further investigation, with a view to apprehending the remaining fleeing members of the gang and ensuring the diligent prosecution of all those found culpable.
“The Commissioner of Police advises residents, farmers, traders and business owners to strengthen the security of their homes, farms, warehouses and storage facilities, particularly during the night to complement efforts of the police as security of lives and property is a collective responsibility.
“Cp Felix also warns individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, as intelligence-driven operations and coordinated policing efforts will continue across the state to identify, apprehend and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law. The Police remain committed to protecting lives and property and appreciate the continued cooperation of the good people of Ondo State in the fight against crime.
“The Ondo State Police Command reassures residents that the Command remains resolute in its fight against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes. He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police, as community partnership remains indispensable in the collective effort to keep Ondo State safe and secure.”
