Hoodlums terrorizing Ondo community arrested by Police

Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two hoodlums terrorizing and injuring three people in the community of Idanre area of Ondo State.

The two hoodlums identified as Abimbo Rotimi and Joseph Innocent, were arrested with a locally made pistol and a knife after they invaded a shop and a house leading to inflicting injuries on three persons.

In a statement by the Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade on Wednesday in Akure, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on Monday.

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 suspected criminals have been transferred to to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

Meanwhile the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal commended the officers that swiftly responded to distress call leading to the arrest of suspects.

“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.

Also, in January 2025, suspected cultists attacked a political figure’s community in Ondo, resulting in four fatalities.