The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday announced the arrest of seven suspects in connection with murder, cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement released in Ibadan by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, who said the suspects were apprehended at different locations following intelligence-led operations.
Ayanlade said one of the suspects was arrested in connection with an alleged murder at Tede town in Atisbo Local Government Area of the state, adding that police operatives recorded a breakthrough at the Budo Panu area of Tede after receiving a report of a murder.
According to the statement, a suspect identified as Yaru Saka was arrested in connection with the death of Amodu Saliu. A locally fabricated single-barrel gun was recovered at the scene.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that two suspects were apprehended in connection with a cult-related offence at Jobele town in Afijio Local Government Area.
He said operatives responded to information about a violent fracas in the area and rescued a 35-year-old victim, Abraham Atunde, who sustained stab injuries.
A blood-stained knife recovered at the scene was linked to the attack. Further investigation led to the arrest of Sammod Bologun, aged 29, and Katie Suleiman, aged 24.
The suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the cult-related violence and are providing information to assist ongoing operations to arrest other fleeing members of the group.
In another incident, the command said it responded to a grievous harm case at the Elekara area of Ilora where a 50-year-old night guard, Adeniran Ramon, reported that he was attacked in the early hours of February 1, 2026, by an assailant armed with a cutlass, resulting in the severance of his left hand from the wrist.
Police operatives subsequently arrested Isiaka Muhammed, aged 23, who was found in possession of a blood-stained cutlass. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime.
The statement further revealed that operatives intercepted three suspects inside a Toyota Liteace bus painted in Oyo State commercial colours with registration number MNY 759 YN. The vehicle was said to be conveying suspected stolen electronic and household items.
Those arrested were identified as Rukayat Favour Umar, a 17-year-old female; Mubarak Umar, aged 26; both of Eleyele area, Ibadan; and Jimoh Ibrahim, aged 49, of Oke-Ado area, Ibadan.