According to Dare, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) team of the command arrested the suspects on April 6 through bush combing operations. The arrested suspects include Augustine Agboobo, Olamilekan Adeniyi, Friday Williams Ukeuima, and Gabriel Ademoh, who were nabbed inside the forest close to the Igede farm settlement.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of a kidnapping syndicate that carried out several kidnappings around the state, including the abduction of Adeleke Ajibade on June 6, 2022, at Igede farm. The suspects also admitted to collecting ransom before releasing their victims.
The police commissioner also revealed that the command arrested two suspected robbers and recovered two stolen motorcycles with the assistance of community members in Oke-Ureje in Ado-Ekiti on April 4. In addition, Saliu Oyebamiji and Mayowa Ajisafe were arrested, while notorious robber and rapist Jimoh Gani was arrested on April 4. The suspects were alleged to have participated in the robbery and rape of a student of a higher institution located in Ikere-Ekiti.
The suspects were found with dangerous items, including a locally made single barrel gun, one dane gun, and bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The police command called on residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements observed in their locality to the nearest police station.
Reacting to the development, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State praised the police for their efforts in combating crime in the state. He urged the people to continue to support the police by providing them with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in their communities.
Meanwhile, the police command has assured the public that the suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Speaking on the arrests, a resident of Ado-Ekiti, Mr John Adeyemo, commended the police for their swift response and urged them to intensify efforts in their fight against crime in the state.
"It is a good thing that the police were able to apprehend these criminals. We need more such efforts to make our state safe for everyone," Adeyemo said.
Another resident, Mrs Funmi Adesanya, urged the police to ensure that justice is served in the case of the rape victim, noting that such heinous crimes should not be treated lightly.
"It is a good thing that the suspects have been arrested. I hope the police will ensure that justice is served for the rape victim. We cannot continue to condone such crimes in our society," Adesanya said.
The Ekiti State Police Command has continued to intensify efforts in its fight against crime in the state, and has urged members of the public to support its efforts by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.