The Ekiti State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by the command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the arrests were made by Safer Highway Operatives during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Awo-Ekiti/Igede-Ekiti road over the past weekend.
Three of the suspects — Sunday Idoko, Gabriel Sunday, and Olayiwola Olajide — were intercepted while traveling in a commercial vehicle. They claimed to be journeying from Ondo State to Kwara State. However, officers suspected them of being armed robbers and cult group members en route to carry out a criminal operation.
Abutu noted that the suspects attempted to evade arrest by approaching the police checkpoint at high speed, but were successfully subdued through the operatives’ quick thinking and tactical response.
Items recovered from the trio included:
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One locally made pistol concealed in a towel
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Two live cartridges
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Three mobile phones
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One power bank
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A suspected charm
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Cash totaling ₦155,000
In a separate incident, another suspect identified as Abubakar Sadiu was arrested while traveling in a commercial bus. He was also suspected of involvement in kidnapping. According to Abutu, Sadiu tried to bribe the officers with ₦50,000, which was rejected. He claimed to be traveling from Ondo to Kwara State but was unable to specify his exact destination.
Items recovered from Sadiu included:
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₦397,000 in cash
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10kg of palm oil
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Two smartphones
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A head torch
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One lighter
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An empty black bag
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One black face cap
All suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has called on residents of the state to continue supporting police efforts, especially during routine stop-and-search operations, to enhance the fight against crime in Ekiti.
