The Oyo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a recent armed robbery and murder incident in Ibadan. On October 3, 2026, the police announced the arrest of three suspected members of the armed robbery gang responsible for the attack. The suspects, Akinrinola Oluwatobi (28), Okunola Mathew (24), and Ibrahim Rabiu (23), were apprehended at a suspected hideout in Sabo, Ibadan, following an intelligence-led operation by the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
According to the police, the incident occurred in August 2026, when armed robbers attacked the residence of Alhaji Olatokunbo in Wofun Olodo. During the attack, the robbers allegedly killed the homeowner's wife, 44-year-old Mrs. Wahab Rukayat, while other occupants sustained serious injuries. The robbers made away with several mobile phones, wristwatches, $400, and other valuables estimated at approximately N3.493 million. The police were able to track down the suspects through sustained intelligence gathering and the use of technology.
The Oyo State Police Command's investigation was intensified after the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the transfer of the case to the VCRU. On October 2, 2026, at around 9:00 p.m., operatives raided the suspected hideout in Sabo, leading to the arrest of the three suspects. During the operation, an iPhone 7 Plus, reportedly belonging to one of the victims of the Wofun Olodo attack, was recovered from the suspects.
As part of the preliminary investigation, an identification parade was conducted, during which surviving victims identified the three suspects among other persons presented. The police also revealed that the suspects confessed to participating in the robbery and disclosed their various roles, including the killing of Rukayat. Furthermore, they allegedly confessed to their involvement in other robbery incidents around Wofun Olodo and Akobo areas of Ibadan.
The Commissioner of Police has directed the VCRU and other relevant units to intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large. The police are also investigating persons suspected of receiving or disposing of proceeds of the alleged criminal activities. The Command remains committed to deploying intelligence, technology, and professional investigation to combat violent crime across the state.
The Oyo State Police Command has assured residents that it will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and detect crime. The police urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime. This appeal comes as the police seek to strengthen community partnership in the fight against crime.
The arrest of the three suspects marks a significant milestone in the investigation, and the police are optimistic about securing convictions. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to be revealed as the investigation unfolds. The police have expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and support in the fight against crime in Oyo State.
Key points
- The Oyo State Police Command arrested three suspects linked to a deadly armed robbery in Ibadan's Wofun Olodo area.
- The suspects, Akinrinola Oluwatobi, Okunola Mathew, and Ibrahim Rabiu, allegedly killed a 44-year-old woman during the robbery.
- The police recovered an iPhone 7 Plus and other stolen valuables from the suspects, and are working to apprehend other members of the gang.
