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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The pupils and teacher abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after being rescued by security agencies.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue of the victims.

Onanuga disclosed the development in a post on his verified X account, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

He, however, did not provide details of the operation or disclose the identities of those involved in the rescue.

The victims’ release has brought relief to their families, residents of Orire and other stakeholders who had expressed concern over their safety since the abduction.

The incident had sparked widespread anxiety in the community, with parents, traditional leaders and residents calling for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teacher.

Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are yet to reveal whether they were rescued during a security operation, released after negotiations or freed under any other circumstances.

It also remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before their release.

Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue to uncover those responsible for the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom.

The successful rescue comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The return of the pupils and teacher has eased tension in Orire, with residents expressing hope that authorities will strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in schools and communities.

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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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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, nearly a month after their abduction.

Makinde made the revelation in his Newsletter No. 140 released on Friday, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.

According to the governor, it has been 27 days since the students and teachers were kidnapped from their schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, leaving families and communities in anxiety and uncertainty.

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026.

Makinde acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on affected families, stating that while the government had repeatedly assured residents of ongoing rescue efforts, he understood the pain of waiting for the victims’ return.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, stressing that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead.

“Every credible lead is being pursued and every lawful measure is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abductees,” the governor said.

Makinde revealed that intelligence reports indicate the victims are being held somewhere within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.

According to him, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of 10 local government areas in Oyo State, making rescue operations particularly challenging.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are still being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast expanse covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres across parts of ten local government areas in Oyo State.

“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” he stated.

The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615.

He assured citizens that all credible information received would be acted upon promptly by relevant security agencies.

Makinde also warned against the spread of unverified reports concerning the abduction, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue operations.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence while keeping the abducted students and teachers in their prayers as efforts to secure their release continue.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are safely reunited with their families and communities.

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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 commenced a reverification exercise for property owners affected by the first phase of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan who were previously excluded from compensation.

Chairman of the monitoring committee, Sunday Odukoya (rtd), disclosed that the exercise will capture over 900 individuals omitted during the initial compensation process.

N5.8bn Approved for Additional Compensation

The government had earlier approved ₦5.8 billion on April 22, 2026, as compensation for another batch of affected property owners, adding to payments already made to hundreds impacted by the major road project.

The circular road, spanning about 110 kilometres, is a key infrastructure initiative designed to ease traffic congestion and support urban expansion in Ibadan.

Reverification Begins April 27

Odukoya said the reverification exercise officially commenced on April 27, 2026.

He directed affected individuals to visit the Ministry of Lands or the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security to the governor to confirm their names and begin the process.

Required Documents for Claimants

Affected property owners are expected to present the following documents:

• Local government identification or residence permit (for non-indigenes)
• Survey plan of property or farmland
• Property or farmland drawings
• Photographs of the property
• Land purchase agreement
• Sworn affidavit from a court or Ministry of Justice

Additional requirements include:

• Power of Attorney (for proxy claims)
• Five recent passport photographs of the claimant
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Guarantor’s passport photographs and identification
• Bank details (account name, bank, and number)
• Valid phone number

The committee also advised claimants to provide any additional documents required by the verification team, including a recommendation letter from their landlord association within the affected area.

Push for Transparency

The reverification exercise is part of the government’s effort to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in compensating all affected property owners tied to the large-scale infrastructure project.

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has proposed a legal framework aimed at curbing the persistent menace of land grabbing in Ibadan.

The monarch made this known while receiving the report of the Niyi Akintola Anti-Land Grabbing Committee at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, the proposed framework includes the enactment of bye-laws by local government councils in line with the Land Use Act. The laws are expected to establish special tribunals to fast-track land-related cases and impose stricter sanctions on offenders.

Oba Ladoja stressed the urgency of addressing land grabbing, describing it as a growing threat to the city’s development and investment climate.

Crackdown on Fake Documents and Petitions

The monarch recounted recent incidents involving fraudulent land claims, including the presentation of a questionable court judgment allegedly dating back to 1912.

He dismissed the document as fake, noting that it predates Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914 and cannot be legally valid in modern disputes.

Ladoja also raised concerns over the misuse of fake survey plans and petitions, warning against individuals who exploit legal loopholes to dispossess rightful landowners.

He further criticised the trend of filing misleading petitions with security agencies, calling for stricter punishment for offenders.

Committee Findings and Concerns

The anti-land grabbing committee, inaugurated in October 2025, was tasked with investigating the root causes of land disputes and proposing legal solutions.

Chairman of the committee, Niyi Akintola, revealed that the panel received over 179 memoranda, reflecting widespread public concern over land-related disputes.

He described land grabbing networks as deeply entrenched, with links to various institutions and stakeholders across the system.

“The system stinks,” Akintola stated, highlighting the scale of corruption and collusion fueling land disputes in the region.

Traditional Leaders Under Scrutiny

The Olubadan also warned that traditional title holders, including Mogajis and Baales, found complicit in land grabbing activities would face serious consequences.

He emphasised the need for integrity in traditional leadership, noting that unchecked abuses have contributed significantly to the crisis.

The monarch commended members of the committee for their efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order in land administration across Ibadan.

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The Oyo State Housing Corporation has issued a stern warning to all allottees of undeveloped plots in Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, urging them to commence development immediately or risk losing their lands. The directive comes amid concerns over rising estate insecurity in Oyo State.

The Corporation, led by Chairman Hon. Demola Omotosho, conducted a fact-finding mission to the estate after residents raised complaints that bushy, abandoned plots had become hideouts for criminals carrying out burglary, rape, and violent attacks.

Although the estate was inaugurated nearly 50 years ago, only 20% of it has been developed, leaving close to 1,000 hectares untouched. Omotosho said this neglect created an unsafe environment for residents who had developed their plots.

A recent violent attack on a 76-year-old resident prompted government intervention. Omotosho reminded allottees that the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001 allows revocation of plots not developed within two years or not fully paid within 12 months.

“These lands were allocated decades ago. Some allottees have held their papers for 25 years without developing the plots. The law is clear: undeveloped plots after two years are subject to revocation. We are not revoking out of sentiment—it is the law,” Omotosho said.

To boost security, the government will establish a Police Post, deploy Amotekun security, and install solar-powered streetlights across the estate. Significant development is expected before June 2026, with similar progress in Ajoda New Town, where 1,000 units are planned.

Residents, including Deacon Idowu Aladejobi, welcomed the move, noting that abandoned plots had facilitated criminal activities. He called for a permanent security presence, especially an Amotekun team.

Other residents expressed optimism that the inspection would mark the beginning of meaningful security and development interventions in the long-neglected estate.

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The Oyo State Government has announced plans to introduce a digital system for building and survey plan approvals.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this during a meeting with zonal directors of town planning offices across the state.

According to him, the new system is designed to make approvals more transparent and traceable, reducing leakages and irregularities associated with the previous manual process.

“The new digital plan approval system will be fully automated and include security features such as barcodes to validate every approved document,” Akin-Funmilayo said. “This will ensure efficiency and curb corruption in town planning operations.”

The commissioner also instructed enforcement and monitoring teams to clamp down on developers or individuals who violate planning regulations. He assured residents that the system will allow building approvals to be processed remotely, saving time and eliminating the need for intermediaries.

The state government previously conducted a 60-day online building permit amnesty programme in 2024, aimed at regularising unapproved structures and processing new approvals.

Akin-Funmilayo urged property owners to fully cooperate with the new digital initiative, which the government said is designed to be user-friendly and corruption-free.

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The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have called on residents to adopt sustainable waste management habits, particularly by reusing and repurposing textiles to protect the environment.

The appeal was made during this year’s World Clean-Up Day celebration in Ibadan, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Economy.”

The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, urged citizens, especially market traders, to sort their waste properly and support recycling initiatives.

Ashamu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and warned that violators would face sanctions.

He stressed that the initiative aims not only to commemorate the global event but also to raise awareness of the dangers of textile and fashion waste.

UNICEF’s Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Mr. Monday Johnson, highlighted that textiles are a major contributor to pollution and urged residents to adopt responsible clothing consumption and disposal habits.

Similarly, Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan, represented by Dr. Deborah Adeyemi, emphasized that adopting a circular economy model is vital for tackling textile waste.

The Chairman of the Oyo State House Committee on Environment and Ecology, Rahman Olorunpoto, also commended the ministry’s efforts and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting a clean and sustainable environment.

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