Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command on Saturday arrested the leader of a notorious armed robbery syndicate terrorising residents of Ifo Local Government Area and its environs.
The suspect, 32-year-old Lekan Anuoluwapo, was arrested alongside his female companion, 33-year-old Ajoke Kareem, at about 12:40 am in the Oloshe area of the local government.
The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said that the suspect and his gang had been terrorising residents of Agosi, Old Bank Area, Olomu Road, Oju-Sango, Folam, Oloshe Road, Ikorita, and Ajowa communities in the Ifo axis.
Odutola stated that the syndicate was linked to several incidents, including that of a resident who was shot in the chest and robbed of his valuables.
She said, “Two robbery cases have been directly linked to the syndicate. On 17th October 2025, at about 0630 hours, two armed men attacked a woman who was sweeping the church premises in preparation for morning prayers and dispossessed her of handbag containing an unspecified amount of money.
“One Wale Adeleye, who later confessed to committing the robbery alongside Lekan Anuoluwapo with the use of a locally made pistol, was arrested.
“Similarly, on 25th October 2025, at about 0300 hours, armed robbers attacked a resident at gunpoint and carted away valuables, including a power bank, an Infinix phone and a POS machine. The victim was shot in the chest when he raised alarm during the attack. The robbers fled the scene, abandoning a locally made pistol with an empty cartridge.
“The victim identified Lekan Anuoluwapo as the suspect after his arrest. The suspect mentioned one Akpomoka Gabriel, aka Akuru, aged 36, residing at Ogba-Iyo, Ijoko-Ota, as his principal accomplice in the series of robberies. Akpomoka Gabriel was also apprehended.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that the arrest had triggered spontaneous jubilation across the Ijoko and Ogba-Iyo neighbourhoods, as residents expressed relief over the breakthrough in curbing incessant armed robbery attacks in the area.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, while commending the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.
He further instructed the area commanders of Sango-Ota and Ifo to reinforce security measures at identified flashpoints throughout the “Ember” months to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property.
