The Oyo State Police Command has re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who previously escaped from police custody, a development that had earlier triggered public outrage and protests within the affected community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the suspect was apprehended on March 17, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. during a routine stop-and-search operation by operatives attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command.
According to the statement, the officers intercepted a suspicious individual seen trekking around Irepo Junction in the Ojongbodu area of Oyo town. Upon being stopped and questioned, the individual was identified as Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old resident of Osorun’s Compound in Oyo.
Police authorities said further verification confirmed that Kareem was the same suspect who had earlier escaped from custody at the Jobele Police Division on March 10, 2026, where he was being held in connection with a suspected kidnapping case.
“The operatives intercepted a suspicious individual observed trekking within the vicinity. Following questioning, he was identified as Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old male of Osorun’s Compound, Oyo,” the statement read.
The Command added that the suspect is currently back in custody and assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries related to the kidnapping case.
The police also noted that Kareem’s earlier escape from detention had prompted swift disciplinary measures within the Command. Officers found to have exhibited unprofessional conduct in connection with the incident were immediately detained and are currently facing orderly room trial.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, had earlier ordered a comprehensive manhunt to recapture the fleeing suspect. The directive, according to the Command, ultimately led to Kareem’s re-arrest.
Authorities further recalled that the escape incident had sparked protests in the community, prompting the Command to implement additional administrative measures aimed at reinforcing discipline and accountability among its personnel.
As part of those measures, the Divisional Police Officer of the Jobele Division was redeployed, alongside other internal adjustments designed to strengthen operational standards within the Command.
The Commissioner of Police also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his continued support and commitment to maintaining professionalism and operational effectiveness across police commands nationwide.
Reassuring residents of its commitment to maintaining security, the Command pledged to intensify efforts to ensure that criminal elements are brought to justice.
The police also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tackling crime across the state.
