By Deborah Nnamdi
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the suspected murder of a 62-year-old woman at Ori-Apata Oderemi area of Ido, Ibadan, and apprehended two other suspects over alleged robbery activities in a separate intelligence-led operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said the murder case was reported by a good Samaritan who discovered the lifeless body of the woman along a bush path within the community.
According to the statement, the deceased was found lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on her neck. Preliminary findings indicated that the body had been at the location for at least seven days before it was discovered.
Detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, which was cordoned off for forensic examination. The police said experts processed the area and gathered evidence to aid the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
The remains were subsequently evacuated to the morgue at Adeoyo General Hospital for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.
Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Muhammed Sanusi, 42, and Ogbu James Ajah, 40, both residents of the Ori-Apata area in Ido. The suspects are currently in custody at the State CID and are assisting with ongoing investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend other possible accomplices.
The Command disclosed that the incident initially sparked protests by aggrieved family members and sympathisers, but the situation was swiftly brought under control through the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Ido Division in collaboration with the Local Government Chairman, who appealed for calm.
Joint patrols involving other security agencies and non-state actors have commenced in the area, with tactical teams and operational assets deployed to maintain public order and reassure residents.
The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, accompanied by a delegation from the Oyo State Government, visited the community to assess the situation and commiserate with the bereaved family. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate deployments to ensure sustained peace and stability.
In a separate development, the Command said it acted on credible intelligence from residents regarding robbery activities along Elebu-Oja, off Alao-Akala Expressway, Ibadan. Operatives of the Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud Unit conducted a targeted surveillance operation, leading to the arrest of Elijah Teejay, 21, and Ottu Emmanuel, 33.
Police recovered two toy pistols and illicit drugs from the suspects during a search. The suspects reportedly confessed to multiple robbery incidents within and outside Oyo State.
The Command described the arrests as a significant step toward dismantling the criminal network and restoring public confidence. The suspects remain in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their vigilance and commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his continued support and commitment to intelligence-led policing nationwide, assuring residents that criminal elements will find no haven in Oyo State.
