ONDO POLICE NAB SUSPECT, INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR FLEEING GANG MEMBERS OVER FATAL AKURE ROBBERY

ONDO POLICE NAB SUSPECT, INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR FLEEING GANG MEMBERS OVER FATAL AKURE ROBBERY

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a coordinated manhunt for other members of a suspected armed robbery gang linked to the killing of a resident, Mr. Clement Idris, during a violent attack in Akure.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Shagari area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Police said a resident, identified as Mr. Oluwatoyin, reported that he heard a gunshot around 1:00 a.m. before hearing a familiar voice calling for help. On stepping outside, he reportedly found Mr. Idris lying in a pool of blood.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of armed robbers invaded the victim's residence during the night, dragged him outside, attacked him with machetes and later shot him before fleeing the scene.

The victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Akure, by concerned neighbours, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

Detectives who visited the crime scene documented the incident and recovered several exhibits believed to be connected to the robbery. The recovered items include a lady's handbag, a cross bag, a small Itel mobile phone, an expended locally made gun shell and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.

According to the police, initial findings suggest that the Itel phone and one of the bags belonged to occupants of a neighbouring apartment who had earlier been robbed of their mobile phones before the attackers proceeded to assault the deceased.

The Command confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the crime, while intelligence-led operations, forensic investigations and coordinated tactical efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members, recover the weapons used during the attack and ensure everyone involved is brought to justice.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. He urged members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the fleeing suspects.

The Ondo State Police Command also encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious persons or activities through the nearest police station or established emergency channels.