…recover N6.25m worth of stolen cattle from rustlers

By Adeola Badru 

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 20-year-old labourer, Abdulraheem Koni, in Budo Mosalasi Village, Saki, Oyo State.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

According to the statement, the incident followed an altercation between the deceased and his employer, identified as Giwa, which reportedly escalated into a physical assault. The suspects were named as Lateef Giwa and Adediran Quazim.

Police investigations revealed that Koni sustained serious injuries during the assault, which later led to his death. 

The statement noted that the suspects, Lateef Giwa, 35, and Adediran Quazim, had made confessional statements detailing their roles in the incident.

“Preliminary findings indicate that Giwa, the employer of the deceased, had a dispute with Koni while at work. The disagreement escalated, and Giwa, alongside his accomplice, Adediran Quazim, allegedly assaulted the victim, causing multiple bruises and other injuries,” the statement said.

Although the victim reportedly received medical attention, he later succumbed to his injuries, prompting the Command to launch a full investigation. 

A medical examination confirmed the severity of the injuries, necessitating further inquiries into allegations of assault and possible conspiracy.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, however, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.

The command reiterated its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing and urged members of the public to provide credible information to assist in concluding the investigation. 

It also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and continued support in strengthening policing nationwide.

In a separate development, the Police Command also confirmed the arrest of two suspected cattle rustlers and the recovery of stolen cattle valued at N6.25 million in the Iresa Adu area of Oyo State.

The suspects, identified as Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, were apprehended following a swift response to a report received at the Iresadu Police Division.

According to the police, the suspects were intercepted at Odojaye via Aganyan, Iresadu, while attempting to conceal the stolen livestock. During the operation, 26 cows, estimated to be worth N6,250,000, were recovered.

The command stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen cattle. 

The suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and provided useful information regarding the criminal network.

The police described the operation as a reflection of effective intelligence-led policing and collaboration with community security agencies in combating crime and protecting livelihoods.