The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man over alleged defilement of a 12-year-old girl in Ibadan, while also investigating a suspected murder case and a separate fatal road incident involving a motorcyclist in Iseyin.
In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspect, identified as “Abule,” was taken into custody for allegedly sexually abusing a minor in the Araromi area of Molete, Ibadan.
The police said the girl, who was hawking snacks, was allegedly taken advantage of after she went to collect payment for goods she had sold.
“It was reported that while the child was attempting to collect payment for goods sold, the suspect took advantage of her by luring her into an uncompleted building where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her,” the command said.
The statement added that officers from the Sanyo Division moved quickly to the scene after receiving the report. The victim was taken for medical examination and care.
Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, ordered that the case be transferred to the Gender Department for detailed investigation. He also restated the command’s commitment to prosecution.
“The command remains resolute in ensuring that any perpetrator of such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.
In another development, the police said they had begun investigation into a suspected murder involving a 37-year-old man, Basiru Rasheed Orelope, following the death of 35-year-old Rukayat Rafiu.
The case was reported by Ademola Rasheed Adebayo and Taoreed Olayiwola after the suspect allegedly brought the deceased’s body to a residence under unclear circumstances.
Preliminary findings showed no visible injuries on the body, which has been deposited for autopsy along Akala Express Road in Ibadan.
During questioning, the suspect said the deceased was his customer and later became ill while they were together in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. He claimed she died after receiving medical attention.
He further stated that he transported her body to Ibadan, a development that raised suspicion among investigators.
The command said the suspect remains in custody while the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.
“No stone will be left unturned in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the Commissioner of Police assured.
He also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.
In a separate incident, the police confirmed the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Umar Yahúza, after a lone crash at a Border Patrol checkpoint along the Iseyin/Oyo Road.
The command said the victim was taken to Fadok Hospital after the accident but died at about 7:30 a.m. due to injuries sustained.
Following the incident, some commercial motorcyclists staged a protest, alleging involvement of officers at the checkpoint. Police authorities said order was restored after engagement with community leaders.
The command also confirmed that two officers, an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector attached to the Border Patrol Unit, had been detained pending investigation.
It added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, while assuring that “any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law.”
The Commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to accountability and transparency as investigations continue.
