Olushola Omogbehin
Ondo State Police Command has arrested a four-man syndicate who are said to be carrying out series of kidnappings, armed robberies, and ritual offences in Ogbese and its environs.
Disclosing this in a statement on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said that the suspects were arrested following intelligence indicating that they had gathered at a location where they procure charms to fortify themselves.
Acting without delay on this credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese town.
“The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a major operational milestone with the arrest of Ifeoluwa Julius and three members of his gang, all residents of Ogbese town, who have been implicated in a series of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related offences.
“This group had long remained on the command’s watchlist due to mounting intelligence linking them to violent criminal activities within the area. Further intelligence revealed that the suspects had recently returned from a location where they procured criminal charms intended to fortify themselves for future criminal undertakings.
“Acting promptly on this credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese town. This precise and strategic approach led to the successful arrest of the four suspects, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to dismantle emerging criminal threats proactively.”
Some dangerous items that police found with them are expended cartridge, fetish items, and a blood-stained cloth which eventually made one of them to openly admit to being a ritualist with his gang members.
“He disclosed that their recent trip was deliberately undertaken to acquire additional criminal fortifications to enhance their capacity for further nefarious activities,” Ayanlade added.
Ayanlade who reiterated the unwavering commitment of police to public safety, said that the state will never serve as a safe haven for criminals.
He maintained that Individuals or groups involved in criminal activities regardless of their location or tactics will be identified, pursued, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.
