Oyo Police Bust ₦100m Robbery Syndicate in Ibadan, 10 Arrested at Hotel Hideout

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, following the arrest of a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating within Ibadan and across state lines.

The Command, in a statement made available to journalists, disclosed that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, carried out weeks of surveillance before successfully storming the gang’s hideout located around the Genesis Hotel area in Challenge, Ibadan.

During the operation, ten suspects were arrested at the scene. The suspects were identified as Mukaila Omorayo (48), Adekanbi Adesola (39), Ahmed Oderinlo (38), Samuel Omoseyin (53), Ramon Saheed (52), Monilola Ajayi (58), Akanbi Bisi (51), Wasilat Abdullahi (48), Bolaji Tanimola (51), and Adeola Oyesina (51).

According to the police, the syndicate is known for hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting valuable goods. A large cache of suspected stolen items was recovered from the suspects, including 40 units of air conditioners, 10 washing machines, one electric motorcycle, assorted creams, seven cutting machines, 15 packs of LED lights, 25 packs of furniture gum, trailer spare parts, women’s hair products, wigs, chin chin, as well as furniture and painters’ materials. The total value of the recovered items was estimated at ₦100 million.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the criminal activities and are currently assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate still at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience in executing the operation. He also appreciated members of the public for providing credible intelligence, noting that such cooperation remains vital in crime prevention and detection.

The Commissioner further advised hotel operators to be vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, stating that investigations revealed that many criminal elements often use hotels as operational bases. Management of the hotel linked to the incident has been invited for questioning.

The Police Command assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.