The Oyo State Police Command has re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who previously escaped from police custody, an incident that had raised public concern and sparked protests in the community.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said the suspect was apprehended on March 17, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. by officers attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command during a routine stop-and-search patrol at Irepo Junction in the Ojongbodu area of Oyo.
According to the statement, the officers intercepted “a suspicious individual observed trekking within the vicinity,” who was then stopped and questioned. He was identified as Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old male from Osorun’s Compound, Oyo.
Further verification confirmed that “he is the same suspect who had earlier escaped from police custody at Jobele Division on the 10th of March, 2026, in connection with a case of suspected kidnapping.”
The Command said the suspect is currently in custody and cooperating with the police on ongoing investigations.
Following the earlier escape and the “unprofessional conduct of the operatives involved, who have since been detained and are undergoing orderly room trial,” the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, ordered a thorough manhunt that led to the re-arrest.
The statement recalled that the incident had prompted community protests, leading the Command to take disciplinary actions against officers found responsible, including the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer of Jobele Division and other administrative measures to strengthen accountability and professionalism.
The Commissioner of Police also acknowledged the Inspector-General of Police for his “steadfast support and continued commitment to ensuring discipline, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across Commands nationwide.”
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to safety and security, emphasizing that it “will not relent in its efforts to bring all perpetrators of crime to justice.”
It further urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information.
