The suspects, identified as Adeola Mathew, 47, and Rasheed Omoniyi, 48, were nabbed during an intelligence-driven operation that led detectives straight to their hideout like bees to honey.
Confirming the development in Abeokuta on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that operatives recovered a locally fabricated pistol during the raid.
According to him, officers attached to the Ifo Division swooped on the suspects following allegations bordering on conspiracy and illegal possession of firearm.
The operation, carried out on May 9 at about 6:30 a.m., was led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who stormed the hideout located along Ibogun Road in the NITEL Area of Ifo.
“During the operation, Mathew was apprehended at the scene, while a search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of one locally made pistol concealed within the premises.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered firearm was allegedly handed over to the suspect by Omoniyi, who was subsequently tracked and arrested by the operatives.
“However, the recovered locally made pistol has been secured as exhibit, while investigation is ongoing to ascertain the source of the firearm and the suspects’ possible involvement in other criminal activities,” he said.
Babaseyi added that the matter would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for deeper investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Bode Ojajuni, applauded the swift action of the operatives, stressing that the command would continue to keep criminals on their toes and ensure residents sleep with both eyes closed.
He also urged members of the public to stay alert and report suspicious movements through the command’s emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.
