Ondo Police Command Records Major Security Breakthroughs: CP Lawal Speaks on Arrests, Rescues, and Crime Crackdowns Across State
By Exponent News, Akure
16th July, 2025
In a decisive show of force and operational effectiveness, the Ondo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing war against crime, with arrests made in high-profile cases including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, ritual killings, car theft, and sexual violence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams Lawal, disclosed these developments on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Akure. Speaking to journalists, CP Lawal said the recent successes were the outcome of an intensified, intelligence-led approach to policing that combines forensic analysis, digital tracking, surveillance technology, and robust community collaboration.
“The Ondo State Command remains resolute in its mission to ensure the protection of lives and property, and to maintain law and order across the state,” the Commissioner affirmed. “We have intensified our operations using a multidimensional approach, and the results speak for themselves.”
MAJOR CASES HIGHLIGHTED BY THE COMMISSIONER
1. Car Theft Syndicate Busted in Ore
On July 6, police operatives intercepted a white LT bus stolen from Lagos and arrested two suspects, Jimoh Abdulmumuni (28) and Jeremiah Lebe Igwe (50), at a filling station in Ore. Abdulmumuni, a driver for the bus owner, Pastor Segun of Gbagada, Lagos, confessed to stealing the vehicle. The suspects are in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
2. Armed Robbery Arrest in Ore
On July 8, a suspected armed robber, Agent Oluwatobi, and three others robbed a man of his phone at a hotel. Following intelligence-led investigations, Oluwatobi was arrested two days later. The hunt continues for his accomplices.
3. Kidnapped Victim Rescued in Akoko
Police operatives in Supare Akoko, with support from local hunters, rescued one Abu Kehinde from kidnappers following a report filed by his brother on July 9. The Command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
4. Student Abduction, Ritual Attempt Foiled
In a chilling case, a 17-year-old OAUSTECH student, Orowole Laughter, was lured from her home and taken to Ilesa, Osun State, for ritual initiation. Through a coordinated trap involving a money transfer and surveillance at a bank in Akure, police arrested her captors—Ayomide Emmanuel Luli (25), Festus Iretomiwa (23), and an Ogboni cultist, Chief Awe Akinyemi (42). Ritual marks were found on the victim. She is now receiving medical and psychological care.
5. Cultism Crackdown at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic
A cultist, Owolabi Tobiloba (21), was arrested in Owo for assaulting a student inside an exam hall. He confessed to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity. Efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplices.
6. Vehicle Theft Syndicate Smashed
On July 12, the SWAT team in Akure arrested multiple suspects across Ondo, Edo, and Lagos states for stealing vehicles, including a Toyota Corolla. Paul Niwa, a middleman, confessed to selling the stolen vehicles. Four vehicles remain unaccounted for.
7. Abduction, Rape, and Murder of AAUA Students
In a gruesome discovery, police uncovered the abduction and murder of two Adekunle Ajasin University students: Abah John Friday (25) and Okah Andrel Eloho (19). Following forensic tracking, suspects were arrested in Lagos and Ekiti. Ojo Michael confessed to the crime, revealing that their landlord, Oladele Femi, orchestrated the attack out of greed and betrayal. The female victim was raped and executed, her body recovered in Ode-Ekiti. The male victim’s body is still being searched for. Police vowed justice for the victims and their families.
8. Child Rape Case Charged to Court
A high-profile child rape case involving a 12-year-old girl allegedly violated by a community chief has been fully investigated and charged to court, according to the Gender Department of the Command.
9. Foiled Cult Attack on Ile-Oluji Polytechnic
A notorious cultist, Muhammed Taofeeq (28), was arrested on July 15 in connection with a planned attack on the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, ahead of the SUG election. Intelligence linked him to the Alora Confraternity and several past violent attacks, including a July 13 assault on a club in Ondo town. His arrest prevented what could have been a bloody confrontation during the election process.
Police Command’s Renewed Strategy Paying Off – CP Lawal
Commissioner Lawal emphasized that the success stories were direct results of the Command’s strategic evolution, which prioritizes intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and community support.
“These results are not accidental. They are the fruits of professionalism, commitment, and the support we enjoy from the good people of Ondo State,” he said. “We are using forensic tools, real-time surveillance, and data analytics to proactively disrupt crime and criminality.”
He called on the public to continue supporting the police with credible information and promised that the Command will not rest until all criminal elements are apprehended.
Conclusion: Zero Tolerance for Criminality
The CP concluded by assuring citizens of Ondo State that all cases would be diligently prosecuted. While some suspects remain at large, operations are ongoing to arrest them and bring them to justice.
“Let it be known that Ondo State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals,” CP Lawal declared. “We urge residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant. Security is a collective responsibility.”
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station as the Command continues its unrelenting campaign against crime in all forms.
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