Alleged arrest of banditry suspects in Osogbo not true – Osun police

The Osun State police command has denied videos trending on social media, suggesting that it arrested suspects linking to bandits in the State.

In a statement on Monday by the Command’s Spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspects arrested in Osogbo and Imesi-Ile were not bandits.

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The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police,
Ibrahim Gotan, to have said, someone was arrested along Lameco-Oke-Fia Road on the 3rd of June, 2026, on suspicion of banditry and was immediately taken to the Command for interrogation.

“Preliminary investigation led to the recovery of some items, including a knife, an army camouflage trouser, local charms, and clothing materials. During the course of the investigation, the suspect exhibited signs of mental instability.

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“Consequently, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough and discreet investigation”.

During the investigation, the suspect turned out to be one Adebayo Sunday, 38, who’s family visited him at the Command to confirm his identity.

Meanwhile, detectives later contacted a native doctor who confirmed that he once treated the suspect of mental illness about ten years ago, from where he was proceeded to a psychiatric hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment.

The police Command stated that the alleged bandits arrested in Imesi-Ile area of Osogbo happened to be known herdsmen who had lived in the community for almost 20 years.

“Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly swung into action and arrested the individuals concerned for investigation.

“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the case was transferred to the SCID for detailed investigation. Findings revealed that the matter was not related to banditry but rather a case of malicious damage involving farm land. The suspects identified as Abdullahi Umaru, Usman Bello, and Umaru Aliyu, who are cattle rearers residing in Imesi-Ile with their families and livestock.

“During the investigation, the Village Head was contacted and confirmed that the cattle rearers and their families had lived peacefully within the community for over twenty years. The owners of the cattle were also interviewed as part of the investigation process.

“The investigation established a prima facie case of malicious damage. However, the complainants, Fatorisa Olawale and Adeniyi Adeoye, later informed the police of their intention to amicably resolve the matter and subsequently withdrew the complaint”.

The Commissioner of Police enjoined members of the public to confirm information before spreading to avoid unnecessary tension.

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