The Ondo State Police Command has arrested several suspects linked to a range of traffic and criminal offences, including the abduction of a traffic officer, assault, reckless driving and obstruction.
The Command made this known in a statement on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, noting that the arrests followed separate incidents in Akure and surrounding areas.
According to Jimoh, the first incident occurred on 3 April 2026 when Olopade Abraham, alongside Emmanuel Taiwo, allegedly ran a red light at Cathedral Junction in Akure.
The statement explained that a Senior Traffic Warden, Kehinde Oliniju, stopped the vehicle and instructed the driver to proceed to the station, but the suspect instead drove off with the officer still inside the car.
“While being directed to proceed to the station, the driver suddenly detoured to an unknown destination with the officer still in the vehicle,” the statement said.
A patrol team from the Fanibi Division responded after an alarm was raised and intercepted the vehicle at Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road, successfully rescuing the officer.
“Upon raising an alarm, a nearby patrol team attached to Fanibi Division swiftly responded, pursued, and intercepted the vehicle… where the traffic warden was safely rescued,” Jimoh added.
The suspects were subsequently arrested along with the vehicle.
In a separate incident on 5 April at about 9:30 p.m., police officers on routine patrol at the Oba-Ile axis intercepted another vehicle driving against traffic.
During the operation, Mrs Adeyanju Tolutope and her husband—who is currently at large—allegedly resisted arrest, with Tolutope accused of assaulting a police officer.
“During the enforcement process… she confronted the officers and violently resisted lawful arrest. In the process, she assaulted a police officer,” the statement noted.
The Command confirmed that Tolutope is in custody and has provided useful information, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend her fleeing accomplice.
“All suspects connected to these incidents have been charged in court for prosecution,” the police stated.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended officers for their professionalism, discipline and restraint, stressing that their swift response demonstrates the Command’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety.
He also reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on traffic violations and attacks on law enforcement personnel, urging the public to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives.