Police arrest three suspected armed robbers in Ibadan

Police have confirmed the arrest of three suspected armed robbers who allegedly operated with a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, saying the suspects were arrested with one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment.

He added that the tricycle conveying the suspects was stopped during a routine stop-and-search exercise by police operatives.

According to him, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the locally fabricated firearm.

The statement read in part:
“The Oyo State Police Command, during a routine stop-and-search exercise, successfully intercepted and apprehended three suspected armed robbers within the Ibadan metropolis. This operation forms part of the Command’s proactive policing strategies, including roadblocks and stop-and-search measures, aimed at deterring criminal activities, preventing armed robbery, and ensuring the safety of residents across Oyo State.

“During the operation, operatives intercepted an unregistered tricycle, popularly known in local parlance as ‘Keke Maruwa,’ carrying two passengers, with the rider making it three occupants.

“A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment. The immediate apprehension of the occupants was a direct result of the vigilance of the operatives and the effectiveness of the stop-and-search strategy.”

The suspects were identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed, male, 19 years; Biodun Fatai, male, 18 years; and Muiz Salawudeen, male, 18 years.

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“Following their arrest, and in recognition of the need for a discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), directed that the suspects and the recovered firearm be handed over to the Command Monitoring Unit.

“This directive ensured that the investigation would be thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven, building on the initial success recorded during the stop-and-search operation.

“During interrogation by the Monitoring Unit, the suspects confessed to having been involved in several cases of armed robbery in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.

“They further admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint. These confessions confirmed the intelligence value of the initial stop-and-search operation and highlighted the importance of proactive policing in curbing violent crime.”

The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with the ongoing investigation, after which they will be charged to court accordingly.