Oyo: Police arrest suspected armed robber following attack on okada rider

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a stolen motorcycle following an alleged attack on a commercial motorcyclist in the Apata area of Ibadan.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command received credible information from a public-spirited citizen that a commercial motorcyclist, identified as Muhammadu Kamilu, had been attacked by a passenger who allegedly struck him with an iron hammer before making away with his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.

The police said operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were immediately deployed to the scene, leading to the arrest of the suspect, Shafiu Nuhu, and the recovery of the stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number AJW 842 QU. An iron hammer allegedly used in the attack was also recovered.

The command said the commercial motorcyclist sustained injuries during the assault. It added that Nathaniel Ibrahim, a helpful passerby who attempted to rescue the victim, was also injured.

Both men were taken to a nearby hospital, where they received medical attention.

Police further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to operating as a lone armed robber who specialised in attacking and robbing commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan and its environs.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine his possible involvement in other similar criminal activities and to recover any additional exhibits connected to his operations,” the command said.

Commending the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the courage of the Good Samaritan and members of the public whose timely information aided the arrest.

He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious persons and activities through the appropriate channels.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that it would continue to deploy intelligence-led and proactive policing strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute criminal elements.