The Oyo State Police Command has taken into custody three individuals suspected to be part of an armed robbery group that resulted in the death of 44-year-old Mrs. Wahab Rukayat during a robbery in Ibadan's Wofun Olodo neighborhood. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on August 4, 2026, at around 2:30 a.m. at the home of Alhaji Olatokunbo. The robbery led to Rukayat's death and left other residents with serious injuries.
During the robbery, the suspects allegedly stole multiple mobile phones, wristwatches, $400, and other items valued at approximately N3.493 million. Following the incident, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, the Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, instructed that the case be handed over to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation and to apprehend those involved. The VCRU operatives conducted a raid on October 2 at around 9 p.m. in a suspected hideout in Sabo area of Ibadan, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
The arrested suspects were identified as Akinrinola Oluwatobi, aged 28; Okunola Mathew, aged 24; and Ibrahim Rabiu, aged 23. The police recovered an iPhone 7 Plus from the suspects, which belonged to one of the victims of the Wofun Olodo robbery. An identification parade was held where surviving victims identified the three suspects as part of the gang that attacked their home.
According to the police, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the robbery and provided details about their roles during the crime. They admitted that items worth about N3.493 million were stolen, and Rukayat was killed in the process. The suspects also acknowledged their participation in other robbery incidents around Wofun Olodo and Akobo areas of Ibadan.
The Commissioner of Police has instructed the VCRU and other relevant units to intensify efforts to capture the remaining gang members who are still at large, as well as those suspected of handling stolen goods from their crimes. The command reassured residents that it will continue to utilize intelligence, technology, and professional investigations to combat violent crime in the state.
The police encouraged the public to continue providing timely and reliable information to help prevent, detect, and investigate crimes. The CP also emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime. The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.
The Oyo State Police Command's efforts to curb violent crime have been ongoing, with a focus on using intelligence and technology to track down and apprehend suspects. The command's initiatives aim to ensure the safety and security of residents in the state. Key efforts include increasing patrols in high-risk areas and engaging with the community to gather information.
Key points
- Oyo State Police arrest three suspects linked to a robbery and murder in Ibadan's Wofun Olodo neighborhood.
- The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and provided details about their roles.
- The police have recovered some stolen items and are working to apprehend the remaining gang members.
