The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old murder suspect allegedly found in possession of a severed human head and dismantled a notorious impersonation syndicate operating in Ibadan.
The Police described the development as major breakthroughs in its fight against crime in the state.
In separate press statements released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command provided details of the operations and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing and community collaboration.
The Command disclosed that the tragic incident occurred on April 11, 2026, at Adigun Village in the Olorunda Ogunsola area of Ibadan.
Acting upon what it called credible intelligence, police operatives apprehended one Sodiq Kayode Akorede, who was allegedly found with the severed head of a six-year-old girl identified as Mutiyatu Sunday.
According to the police, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed operatives to mobilize to the scene, secure the suspect, and recover the exhibit.
Despite resistance from an enraged mob, Police said officers acted with restraint and professionalism to rescue the suspect and prevent extrajudicial action.
The statement disclosed further that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly killed the victim before severing her head.
The police further stated that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment following injuries sustained from the mob attack after which he will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police however, condemned jungle justice, warning that such actions hinder proper investigations and obstruct the course of justice while assuring residents that the law would take its full course.
The statement quoted CP Olugbenga, as saying: “The Command unequivocally condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be served. While we understand the outrage such a crime provokes, we strongly caution against jungle justice, as it undermines lawful investigations and the administration of justice.
“We urge residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.”
In a related development, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit uncovered and dismantled a well-organized impersonation syndicate in the Ogunpa area of Ibadan.
The operation, carried out on April 9 following actionable intelligence, led to the arrest of ten suspects specialized in impersonation.
According to Police statement, the suspect are Mumini Akanbi, Quadri Muhammed, Salami Tajudeen, Oladipupo Hammed, Oladipupo Taiwo, Olorunosebi Kazzeem, Fatai Akanni, Alamu Kazeem, Olalekan Afeez, and Alex Olanrewaju.
The Police said searches conducted at their hideouts resulted in the recovery of several forged materials, including fake Police Character Certificates, counterfeit Nigeria Police Force CID stamps, Ogun State CID Eleweran Office stamps, Iyaganku Area Command stamps, Divisional Police Officer office stamps, Oyo State Government stamps from various ministries, and stamps belonging to commercial banks and private organizations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were engaged in the production and distribution of forged documents used for impersonation. The police confirmed that the suspects had confessed and were assisting investigators.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism while acknowledging the vital role of timely intelligence provided by members of the public.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid patronizing unauthorized agents for official documents, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
While reiterating Police resolve to rid Oyo State of criminal elements and sustain peace and security, the Command assured that investigations into both cases are already ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon their conclusion.
“This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the invaluable cooperation of the public.
“We remain resolute in our determination to dismantle criminal networks and advise citizens to always obtain official documents through lawful and recognized channels to avoid falling victim to fraudsters,” the statement added.