By Ayodele Oni
In what is seen as a major breakthrough, the Ondo State Police Command, has arrested a suspected gunrunner who supplies arms and ammunition to criminals across states.
The breakthrough stems from a case of armed robbery reported at Irele, where a female victim was dispossessed of her unregistered TVS motorcycle, the sum of N250,000 and other valuables, and was also shot in her right leg.
Acting swiftly, operatives of the Command arrested one of the suspects at Irele, before tracking and apprehending two others at a hotel in Ore, thereby setting the stage for a wider investigation.
The command’s spokesman Olusola Ayanlade in a statement, explained that “Building on these initial arrests, the Command intensified its efforts and, in the course of investigation, recorded a landmark success with the arrest of a notorious gunrunner and local arms fabricator who had long been on the Command’s watchlist.
“This individual, responsible for manufacturing and supplying firearms to criminal networks, has been confirmed to operate not only within Ondo State, but also across state lines, extending his illegal dealings to Osun, Kogi, Edo, and Kwara States.
“The arrest of this key figure marks a major step forward in dismantling the chain of supply that has fueled violent crimes such as armed robbery and other unlawful activities across the region.
“Already, four suspects linked to the case have been arraigned in court on charges bordering on armed robbery and attempted murder, while further efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and ensure that all collaborators are brought to justice.
Also in Police net is another suspect that stole a tricycle in Oyo state and brought it to Ondo for usage.
According to report, one Michael Kehinde, male, aged 28 years, was arrested in connection with a stolen tricycle.
“The arrest followed the swift intervention of operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol of the Ondo State Police Command on 21st September, 2025, at about 1400hrs, when the suspect was intercepted, while riding an unregistered tricycle without valid documents.
“Upon questioning, he could not provide a satisfactory account of how and when he acquired the vehicle. Further interrogation revealed his confession to having stolen the tricycle earlier this year at Ojoo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Having realized that his scheme had been uncovered and appreciating the gravity of his offence, the suspect later made an unsuccessful attempt to evade custody.
“However, the professionalism and alertness of the officers on duty ensured he was immediately restrained and calm was restored without any further incident.”
The Commissioner of Police stressed that their timely action demonstrated the Command’s readiness to confront criminality with professionalism and courage.
He further directed that the case be transferred to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit for thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.
“Efforts are also ongoing, in collaboration with the Oyo State Police Command, to trace and identify the rightful owner of the recovered tricycle.”
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