The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, land grabbing and other violent crimes within Ibadan metropolis.
The suspect, identified as Arowolo Ademola Adeyemo, popularly known as “Demmy,” was arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Oyo Base, following credible intelligence about the activities of the syndicate.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the operation was carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on August 15, 2026, after operatives received information that members of the syndicate had gathered at a hideout in the Soka area of Ibadan. 
The operatives swiftly moved to the location and arrested Adeyemo.
A search conducted during the operation reportedly led to the recovery of one fabricated English pistol, one long single-barrel gun, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition and nine live cartridges.
The police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to involvement in land grabbing, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
According to the Command, the information obtained from his confession has provided useful leads towards identifying other members of the syndicate and determining their involvement in related criminal activities.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large, adding that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the operatives to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
The Command also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in combating crime across the state.
For emergencies, residents can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line on 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
