- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber with a locally fabricated pistol recovered from him.
This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to Olayinka, the suspect identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh was apprehended by operatives attached to the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol.
Odoh’s arrest and recovery of the pistol followed an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation conducted on 25 September 2026 at about 1730hrs along the Ibadan–Ife Road by Ajia Junction.
“In the course of the operation, a white-coloured Mazda bus driven by one Sanusi Afeez Adedamola ‘M’ of Owena and travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State, was intercepted and subjected to a search.
“The search subsequently led to the arrest of one of the passengers, identified Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh ‘M’, for unlawful possession of one locally made pistol and a live cartridge.” The police spokesperson said.
Following the recovery, the firearm and ammunition were immediately secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation, arrest of the rest of the syndicate and prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The development, according to Olayinka, underscores the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations as a critical component of the Command’s preventive policing strategy, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.
“When conducted professionally and intelligence-led, such operations help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of criminal elements and generate actionable intelligence for broader crime-prevention efforts.
“Building on these proactive measures, the Oyo State Police Command reassures members of the public, particularly commuters and residents along major highways, of its continued commitment to their safety and security.
The Command will sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and other strategic measures to prevent crime and maintain public safety across the State, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide the Police with timely and actionable information.” He said.
