The harrowing details of the crime were revealed by Prime 9ja Online, which initially reported the disappearance of Mrs Aderibigbe. She had left her home to tend to her farm but was declared missing for several days. A search party was organised, and her lifeless body was eventually discovered on the edge of the farm. The manner in which she was found strongly suggests that she was a victim of rape and murder.
In a press conference held on Tuesday in Akure, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, paraded the suspect, Mima Chinecherem, alongside other individuals believed to be involved in the crime. Odunlami-Omisanya stated that the suspect was apprehended after Mrs Aderibigbe's children reported their suspicions to the police. Furthermore, during a thorough search, the mobile phone belonging to the deceased was found in the possession of the suspect, linking him directly to the crime.
Meanwhile, another shocking incident came to light as a Togolese national, Gbegele Mustapha, was also arrested by the police in connection with the murder of his 58-year-old landlady, Adijat Olaoye, in Akure, the capital city of Ondo state. The 29-year-old Mustapha allegedly attempted to rape Olaoye inside her one-room apartment in the Fanibi area. In the process, she tragically lost her balance, hit her head on the floor, and succumbed to her injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, Mustapha fled the scene after realising the dire consequences of his actions. Concerned neighbours, alerted by the victim's cries for help, rushed to her aid and discovered her lying in a pool of blood. They immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to the swift apprehension of the suspect.
During interrogation, Mustapha claimed to have been under the influence of Indian hemp, a psychoactive substance, on the day of the incident. However, such claims will be thoroughly investigated as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The police committed to maintaining law and order in the state, have also apprehended several other individuals involved in various criminal activities. These include suspected armed robbers, cultists, burglars, and individuals found in possession of firearms. The diligent efforts of law enforcement have resulted in the recovery of significant evidence, including electronics, motorcycles, mattresses, pieces of jewellery, gas cylinders, fetish items, as well as male and female clothing and shoes.
Speaking on behalf of the police, Odunlami-Omisanya assured the public that all the suspects would face the full weight of the law. It is imperative to bring justice to the victims and restore a sense of security to the community. The police spokesperson emphasised the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat crime effectively. She urged citizens to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities promptly, and work hand in hand with the police to ensure the safety and well-being of the state's residents.