By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers linked to a burglary syndicate operating in Alade-Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, announced the arrests in a statement on Friday.
Police identified the suspects as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun and Nura Umar.
According to Jimoh, detectives launched the investigation after a resident, Abayomi of Alade-Idanre, reported a burglary at the Alade/Atosin Police Station on June 15, 2026.
The complainant told police that burglars broke into his cocoa store overnight and stole a bag of cocoa worth N1.25 million.
Detectives used intelligence gathering and investigations to identify the suspects and other accomplices who remain on the run.
Acting on credible intelligence, police arrested the four suspects and expanded the investigation into the activities of the criminal gang.
During the investigation, officers also uncovered information linking the principal suspect, Alex Omotayo, to another incident on March 13, 2026.
Police alleged that Omotayo entered the premises of Idanre High School while carrying two firearms and threatened to kill a security guard he accused of shooting at him the previous night.
The new findings prompted officers to obtain a search warrant for the suspect’s residence.
During the search, police recovered a cut-to-size single-barrel firearm and a locally made revolver hidden inside the house.
Investigators have taken the weapons into custody as evidence.
The command transferred the suspects and the case to the Anti-Cultism Unit in Akure for further investigation.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the gang and prosecute everyone found responsible.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to improving security across the state.
