The Oyo State Police Command has successfully re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who had embarrassingly escaped from their custody just a week earlier, bringing relief to residents who had expressed outrage over the initial security lapse.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Ayomide Kareem from Osorun’s Compound in Oyo, was apprehended on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026, around 11:30 p.m. during a routine stop-and-search operation at Irepo Junction in the Ojongbodu area.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, operatives attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command spotted Kareem walking suspiciously late at night and decided to question him. What started as a routine check quickly turned into a significant breakthrough when further investigation revealed his true identity.
“The operatives intercepted a suspicious individual observed trekking within the vicinity,” the statement read. Upon questioning and verification, police discovered that Kareem was the same suspect who had escaped from police custody at Jobele Division on March 10, 2026, where he was being held in connection with a kidnapping case.
Accountability and Consequences
The initial escape had sparked serious concerns among Oyo residents about the professionalism and competence of officers at the Jobele Division. In response, the incident triggered community protests, forcing the Command to take decisive action.
Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, did not take the matter lightly. Following the escape, he immediately ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspect while simultaneously addressing the “unprofessional conduct” of the officers responsible for the security breach.
The officers involved in the custody lapse have been detained and are currently facing an orderly room trial—a military-style disciplinary procedure used by the police force. Additionally, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jobele Division has been redeployed, and other administrative measures have been implemented to strengthen accountability and professionalism within the division.
Community Confidence Restored
The swift re-arrest and the disciplinary actions taken have been seen as positive steps toward restoring public confidence in the Oyo State Police Command. The Command has reassured residents that it remains committed to maintaining safety and security across the state.
“We will not relent in our efforts to bring all perpetrators of crime to justice,” the statement emphasized, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to both criminal activities and internal misconduct.
The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations into the kidnapping allegations that led to his initial arrest.
CP Haruna also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police for his “steadfast support and continued commitment to ensuring discipline, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across Commands nationwide.”
This incident serves as a reminder that while security challenges persist, the willingness of law enforcement agencies to hold their own accountable remains crucial to building public trust and maintaining effective policing in Nigeria.
The Oyo State Police Command has urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and individuals in their communities.
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