Two suspects, Abimbo Rotimi and Joseph Innocent, have been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly terrorising and injuring three people in the Idanre area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Monday.
According to Ayanlade, the suspects, armed with a locally made pistol and a knife, had invaded a shop and a house, inflicting injuries on three people who are now hospitalised.
Ayanlade stated, “Investigation revealed that one Abimbo Rotimi, male, aged 35 years, popularly known as ‘Officer Koi’ — a notorious drug peddler, armed robber, cultist, and recidivist known for violent crimes who has long terrorised Idanre and its environs — and his accomplice, Joseph Innocent, male, aged 28 years, both residents of Ehinpeti Street, behind White House, Idanre, invaded an Indomie shop owned by one Henry and a house belonging to Abimbola Sunday along the same street.
“Armed with a locally made pistol, knife, and other dangerous weapons, they attacked the occupants, inflicting various injuries: Henry was stabbed on the fingers, Abimbola Sunday sustained a bite injury on her lower lip, while Akinduko Akinbobola, a commercial motorcyclist, was stabbed on the head.
“Although the suspects had fled before police arrival, a prompt, intelligence-driven manhunt led to their arrest and the recovery of one locally made pistol, one kitchen knife, two pairs of scissors, and one axe. The victims were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspects remain in custody, assisting investigators with useful information.”
The PPRO noted that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism and swift response of the Idanre Divisional Police team, noting that the command was committed to ensuring the safety of the state’s residents.
“The CP reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to the police to enhance security across the state,” Ayanlade concluded.
Violence attributed to cult clashes and criminal gangs has been recurring in Ondo State.
PUNCH Metro reported in May that the Ondo police arrested 46 youths in connection with a deadly cult clash that claimed four lives in the state.
Also, in January 2025, suspected cultists attacked a political figure’s community in Ondo, resulting in four fatalities.
The recent arrests highlight the continued efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to curb violent crimes and restore public confidence in communities grappling with insecurity.
