Police, Judiciary Completely Recommitted To Strengthening Fight Against Cultism In Kwara-CP Olaiya
The judicial branch of government in Kwara state and the state police command have recommitted to strengthening fight against cultism and standing firm on anti-cult measures, the state police chief, Mr. Victor Olaiya, a Commissioner of Police , has said.
Olaiya, who disclosed this while responding to questions from journalists during the press conference he presided over at the state police headquarters, Ilorin on Thursday, said the judiciary and the police are working closely to tackle cultism in the state.
The press conference was attended by journalists including Team@orientactualmags.com.
While lamenting that there was a spike in the number of cult attack cases recorded in the state capital after 14 suspected cultists were granted bail in February this year, the police chief said all hands are now on deck to decisively tackle the issue.
He also described it as worrisome that ex-convicts are found to have quickly reclaimed their status as criminals immediately after serving prison terms citing a convicted armed robber, who was welcomed by colleagues after serving a prison term of ten years and lodged in a hotel from where he once again, got involved in robbery, got arrested and prosecuted and again lost his freedom.
CP Olaiya also added that the presentation of suspects arrested for different criminal offences by the state command on Thursday ‘highlights our ongoing efforts to ensure state security’ while adding that ‘ we’re committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting lives and property of the citizens’.
The police commissioner also disclosed that another suspect has been arrested in connection with the abduction of the wife and children of Hon. Lawal Soliu Ayanshola, a member of the Kwara state House of Assembly in October last year while promising that charges will be preferred against him (the suspect) soon.
‘On the 8th of October, 2023, an unfortunate incident occurred in Paasa Igbokedu area, Asa Local Government, where Mr. Atilola Sarafa was forcefully abducted from his residence. Additionally, Mrs. Afusat Lawal, along with two of her children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu, were kidnapped from Okoolowo Express road, Shao, on the 16th of October, 2023. These incidents sent shockwaves through the community, instilling fear and concern among residents.
Through diligent investigative and cooperation from the community, the Kwara state Police Command made a breakthrough in the case. On the 26th of March, 2024, One Isah Umaru of Sokoto village was apprehended based on valuable intelligence. Mr. Umaru confessed to his involvement in the case of kidnapping which led to the arrest of Mr. Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center here in Ilorin.
The victims were held captive together, and the perpetrators utilized Mr. Sarafa’s mobile phone in demanding for ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is Mrs Afusat Lawal’s husband.
The Kwara state Police Command assures the public that thorough investigations are underway. Once completed, the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, ensuring justice is served and restoring confidence in our communities’ he said.
He also disclosed that Tahiru Mohammed has been arrested and taken into custody in connection with an attempt to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf , a resident of Nawo village.
‘ The Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters received a report on the 24th of March, 2024, regarding an attempted kidnapping incident involving individuals identified as Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila. The primary suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, allegedly threatened to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf of Nawo village.
Swift response ensued, with security agents collaborating with vigilantes and the local hunters to apprehend the suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, of Ayekale village. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to plotting the kidnapping without a clear motive.
This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding our communities. The suspect will face the full wrath of the law as investigations progress. We assure the public that justice will prevail, and such heinous acts will not be tolerated.
I commend the proactive efforts of men of the Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters and community members involved in thwarting this crime. Together, we stand united against criminal elements seeking to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.
We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities promptly’ CP Olaiya submitted.
‘I would like to bring to your attention a significant development in an armed robbery case that occurred on the 5th of March, 2024.
Mr. Jimoh Taiye Jethro, a resident of Amayo area in Ilorin, reported to the Area Commander Metro Ilorin through a petition that on the 16th of February, 2024, while returning from a business trip on his Bajaj motorcycle with registration number EDE 340QB between the Kogi/Kwara boundary, he was ambushed and robbed at gunpoint by unknown assailants.
The perpetrators made away with his motorcycle, two mobile phones, a bag containing his UBA and First Bank ATM cards, and a sum of ₦150,000, amounting to a total value of ₦1,000,000.
Following diligent investigation, one of the stolen phones was tracked and recovered from Mr. Jibril Sani of Babanla, which subsequently led to the apprehension of Abdullahi Sani, Mohammed Suleiman, and Abubakar Shede, all residents of Babanla. Additionally, the stolen motorcycle was successfully recovered.
I commend the swift and thorough efforts of our law enforcement officers, who worked tirelessly to bring these suspects to justice and recover the stolen property.
This operation underscores our commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara state.
We assure the public that our efforts to apprehend all those involved in criminal activities remain steadfast, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in our communities.
Also , on 7/4/2024, at about 1530hrs, Mr. Momonu Ayuba of Sosoki Village, Alapa, Kwara state, along with two of his brothers, were accosted by two armed individuals while relaxing under a tree. The perpetrators, armed with locally made pistol, demanded money from the victims. However, upon refusal, the brave actions of Mr. Ayuba and his brother led to the apprehension of one of the armed robbers, identified as Olafimiye Bashir Abdulazees of Onile-Aro Compound, Oloje, Ilorin.
It is worth noting that the recovered firearm was found to be loaded with a live cartridge, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Efforts are on to apprehend the accomplice, one Fatai, who is currently at large,
On April 13, 2024, at about 0600hrs, our detectives successfully tracked and arrested one Shola Adigun Samuel of Moniya Area, Akinyele L.G.A, Oyo state. This arrest was made possible through the diligent tracking of a Samsung Galaxy A71 handset reported stolen on February 16, 2024, in GRA Ilorin, property of Mr. Chima Onyeagu of Olorunshogo Street, GRA ,Ilorin.
During interrogation, the suspect disclosed his modus operandi, and how he specializes in breaking into residence at night while occupants are sleep, searching for handsets and other valuable items. He further divulged that Soji Akinola, residing in Abuja, was the recipient of these stolen phones.
Subsequently, seven assorted phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A71, were recovered from the suspect. All recovered handsets have been identified by their respective owners. Notably, the suspect conducted a raid on Meduku Street, Sango Area, Ilorin, on April 11, 2024, where he stole six assorted handsets.
Shola Adigun Samuel confessed to being a lone operator from Ibadan. Efforts are currently underway to track down the receiver in Abuja. Further developments will be communicated in due course.
The Kwara State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement agency’ he added.
The Police Chief however thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq , IGP Kayode Egbetokun, sister agencies and others for providing necessary support with respect to anti-crime efforts..
‘I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his unwavering support, and to the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, for his invaluable guidance in combating crime in Kwara state.
I must also thank the sister agencies the Vigilante Group of Nigeria Kwara state Chapter, Community Policing volunteers who have helped to boost the peace and harmony that Kwara state enjoys’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
