The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate linked to armed robbery, land grabbing and other violent crimes in Ibadan.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation in the Soka area of the city. Police also recovered firearms and ammunition from the suspect.

Police Arrest Suspect in Soka

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

He said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Oyo Base, received credible information at about 2:45 a.m. on August 15, 2026.

The information indicated that members of the suspected syndicate had gathered at a hideout in Soka.

Police operatives moved to the location and arrested one suspect. He was identified as Arowolo Ademola Adeyemo, also known as “Demmy.”

A search of the area led to the recovery of one fabricated English pistol and one long single-barrel gun.

The police also recovered nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition and nine live cartridges.

Suspect Allegedly Linked to Land Grabbing

According to the police, Adeyemo allegedly confessed during questioning to involvement in land grabbing, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The command said the information obtained during the interrogation could help investigators identify other members of the group.

Police are also examining the suspect’s alleged links to other criminal activities in the area.

The other suspected members of the syndicate are still at large. The command said efforts were underway to locate and arrest them.

The police added that Adeyemo would be taken to court after the investigation is completed.

Land Security and Real Estate

The arrest has wider implications for the property sector because land security is an important part of real estate development.

Land disputes and illegal occupation can create risks for homeowners, developers and investors. They can also delay housing projects and increase the cost of property development.

Proper land documentation is therefore important for people buying or developing property. Buyers and investors are expected to verify ownership records and complete the required legal processes before committing funds to land.

This is particularly important in growing urban areas such as Ibadan, where demand for residential and commercial property continues to make land a key part of development.

Clear land records can also help reduce disputes and provide greater certainty for property transactions. For developers, secure land rights are important when seeking finance and planning new housing or infrastructure projects.

Police Intensify Investigation

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed officers to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspects.

The command said the investigation would continue as officers work to establish the full activities of the alleged syndicate.

Police also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could help security agencies tackle crime across Oyo State.

The case highlights the importance of security in protecting property and supporting confidence in the real estate sector. Strong land administration, proper documentation and effective law enforcement can help create a safer environment for housing and property investment.

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A fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday gutted parts of the popular Bode Market in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira.

The cause of the inferno had yet to be determined as of the time of filing this report, while the Oyo State Fire Service had not issued an official statement on the incident.

An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Serifat, said the fire caused extensive destruction, leaving many traders counting their losses.

“The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving many traders counting their losses. We have not known the cause of this fire incident,” she said.

Firefighters were reportedly deployed to the scene shortly after the outbreak and succeeded in bringing the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market.

Bode Market is one of the largest commercial markets in Ibadan and serves as a major trading hub for herbs, animal skins and other traditional products. The market attracts traders from across the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire, while an assessment of the extent of the damage is ongoing.

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The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers linked to the abduction of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The property, located in the Lako community along Aiyegun-Anaye Road in Ibadan, was pulled down on Monday by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The demolition is part of the state government’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and dismantle criminal networks operating across Oyo State.

The exercise was carried out under tight security, with government officials and law enforcement personnel supervising the operation. Authorities said the action underscores the government’s resolve to ensure that properties used for criminal activities do not escape the full weight of the law.

According to the government, eliminating criminal hideouts is critical to disrupting kidnapping syndicates and strengthening public confidence in the state’s security framework.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 at Elewura in the Challenge area of Ibadan.

The incident generated widespread concern, prompting security agencies to launch investigations that reportedly led operatives to the suspected hideout.

Officials believe the demolished building played a role in the planning and execution of the abduction.

Security agencies have continued investigations and are working to identify and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to be connected to the crime.

Authorities disclosed that intelligence-led operations are ongoing across several locations as efforts continue to dismantle criminal cells involved in kidnapping and related offences.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity, warning that any property found to have been used for criminal purposes would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It also assured residents that collaboration with security agencies would be strengthened while investments in intelligence gathering and law enforcement would continue to enhance public safety.

Investigations into the abduction remain ongoing, with security agencies expressing confidence that sustained cooperation between law enforcement authorities and local communities will aid efforts to combat kidnapping and organised crime across the state.

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The Oyo State Government has handed over 90 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the development of the Moniya Inland Dry Port in Ibadan. The handover took place on Friday at Moniya in Akinyele Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal presented the land documents to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. The minister was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Michael Olufemi.

A Major Economic Boost

Lawal explained that the dry port will play a key role in boosting the state’s economy. According to him, the project will support agriculture, encourage industrial growth, and promote infrastructure development across Oyo State and Nigeria.

He added that the inland port will help decongest Lagos ports, making it easier and faster for businesses to clear goods. Lawal called on stakeholders to support the project to ensure timely completion.

Federal Government Commends Oyo State

Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the project as a strategic national investment. He stated that the dry port will bring import and export services closer to businesses in the South-West. This, he said, will create new jobs and improve logistics for traders and manufacturers.

Oyetola praised Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the Federal Government’s development plan and working toward national economic growth.

Support From Nigerian Shippers’ Council

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutar Ukiyama, was represented by Ahmodu Yahyah. He thanked the Oyo State Government for its commitment to progress.

According to him, the dry port will boost internal revenue, support small and large businesses, and open up new economic opportunities. He noted that it will also improve the agriculture value chain and support smooth cargo movement once completed.

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The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims by the Federal Government over certain properties in the state, insisting they were lawfully revoked and now belong to Oyo State.

Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akinfunmilayo Williams, said in Ibadan that the revocations followed due process under the Land Use Act of 1978, which gives governors control of all lands in their states.

He said the affected sites including ARCEDEM at Iwo Road, Federal Low-Cost Estate at Idi-Ayunre, Federal Housing Scheme in Saki, and others were abandoned for decades and had become security risks.

“These properties reverted to the state after lawful revocation. The federal government should stop misleading the public,” he stated.

Williams also accused some federal agencies of violating planning laws by building without state approval, warning that Oyo would no longer tolerate such disregard.

He assured investors that the state’s actions were not punitive but meant to promote order, safety, and development.

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The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Ibadan’s compound heads (Mogajis) and community leaders to make ancient family houses in the city more habitable.

Receiving hundreds of Mogajis at his Bodija residence over the weekend, Ladoja expressed concern that many chiefs with the means to improve their ancestral homes have instead chosen to live in upscale areas such as Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo, or even outside Nigeria.

He lamented that some had abandoned family responsibilities, neglecting to convene meetings or contribute to community growth after receiving their titles.

“We want Mogajis and chiefs to remain close to their roots,” Ladoja said. “By doing so, you will inspire the younger generation seeking mentorship. Encourage the grassroots by living among them and sharing with them.”

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The incident was confirmed by the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr. Akinyemi Akinyinka, who said the distress call was received at exactly 1:53 p.m. Prompt response by the agency’s emergency team, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adekola (Mrs), ensured that both victims were pulled from the rubble.

According to Akinyinka, one of the rescued men sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

He commended the swift action of the emergency personnel and emphasized the importance of building safety compliance across the state.

While the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, authorities have urged construction companies and developers to strictly adhere to approved safety standards and building regulations to prevent further tragedies.

No fatalities were recorded in the incident.

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The incident took place early in the day, catching many by surprise in the bustling commercial hub. According to bystanders, the man appeared to have fallen from a significant height, landing near the building’s security post.

One witness recounted the shocking moment: “At first, I thought it was a large bird dropping from the sky, but when he hit the ground, I realised it was a person. I was too stunned to even react.”

Another onlooker described the scene in vivid detail, saying the man struck a rooftop structure before hitting the ground, adding to the intensity of the fall.

The exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the firm responsible for managing the historic Cocoa House, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Tuesday.

Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communication for the company, stated that the victim received immediate attention from emergency responders before being transported to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan for urgent medical treatment.

“The company is deeply concerned about the incident and is working closely with relevant authorities to support the ongoing investigation,” Ayetoro noted.

Cocoa House, a 26-storey building and one of Nigeria’s oldest skyscrapers, remains a prominent symbol of the region’s economic heritage. The recent incident has renewed conversations around safety protocols within and around high-rise structures in the city.

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Speaking to journalists during a site visit, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, explained that the move was necessary to protect public safety and allow for a thorough investigation into what caused the incident.

“We’re grateful that no lives were lost,” Akin-Funmilayo said. “But after evaluating the situation, we had to seal the premises immediately to prevent further risk to life and property.”

Preliminary observations by government officials suggested that some of the building materials used in the construction were possibly below standard, raising concerns about the quality of work and compliance with safety regulations.

As part of its response, the government has ordered integrity tests not only on the collapsed structure but also on other branches of the same restaurant operating across the state.

“These assessments are necessary to ensure that similar incidents don’t occur elsewhere,” the commissioner noted. “The findings will inform our next steps regarding the site and the company’s future construction activities.”

Akin-Funmilayo assured the public that officials from the Ministry of Works will lead the investigation, and that all recommendations from the assessment will be strictly followed to uphold building safety standards across Oyo State.

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Inspector Folake Ewe, the prosecuting officer, detailed the allegations, noting that the incident occurred on October 30. According to her, the two defendants had colluded to unlawfully appropriate the iron rods, which belonged to the Chinese and Bridge Corporation Company. The prosecutor emphasized that their actions were in violation of Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Oyo State Criminal Laws of 2000, underscoring the severity of the offenses.

Presiding over the case, Magistrate T. G. Daodu granted bail under strict conditions: each defendant must provide N10 million and secure two sureties of equal financial standing. The magistrate specified that these sureties must have verifiable means to fulfill the bond, reflecting the serious nature of the charges.

The case has been adjourned until January 14, 2025, when the court will reconvene for further proceedings. The decision to grant bail, albeit under stringent conditions, highlights the judicial balance between the presumption of innocence and ensuring accountability. The case has drawn significant attention, reflecting the economic and legal implications of large-scale theft, especially involving valuable construction materials.

This case continues to be a focal point for discussions around security and law enforcement in the region, sparking conversations about safeguarding assets and prosecuting organized theft efficiently. As the court date approaches, stakeholders in the construction and legal communities will be watching closely for developments in this matter.

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