Osun Police Clarify No Arrests Made of Suspected Bandits

By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO – The Osun State police command clarified that it did not arrest any suspects linked to banditry in the state, countering misleading videos circulating on social media.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, through a statement from the Command’s spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi on Monday, confirmed that those detained in Osogbo and Imesi‑Ile were not bandits.

On 3 June 2026, a man whom members of the public had identified as a suspected bandit was apprehended along Lameco–Oke‑Fia Road in Osogbo. He was immediately taken to the Osogbo Area Command, Oke‑Fia, for investigation.

“Preliminary investigation recovered items such as a knife, an army camouflage trouser, local charms, and clothing materials. During the investigation, the suspect displayed signs of mental instability. Consequently, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough and discreet inquiry,” the spokesperson said.

Further investigation revealed the suspect to be Adebayo Sunday, 38. Family members later visited the command to confirm his identity.

“Detectives also consulted a native doctor who reported treating the suspect for a mental‑related condition more than ten years ago. The suspect was then taken to the Police Clinic and referred to a psychiatric hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment,” Ojelabi added.

The command also clarified that the individuals reported as bandits in Imesi‑Ile were actually herdsmen who have lived in the community for almost two decades.

“Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly acted and arrested the individuals for investigation. Following the Commissioner’s directive, the case was transferred to the SCID for a detailed inquiry. Findings showed the matter was not related to banditry but rather a case of malicious damage involving farmland. The suspects identified were Abdullahi Umaru, Usman Bello, and Umaru Aliyu, cattle rearers residing in Imesi‑Ile with their families and livestock,” the spokesperson stated.

During the investigation, the Village Head confirmed that the cattle rearers and their families had lived peacefully in the community for over twenty years. The cattle owners were also interviewed as part of the process.

The investigation established a prima facie case of malicious damage. However, the complainants, Fatorisa Olawale and Adeniyi Adeoye, later informed the police of their intention to resolve the matter amicably and subsequently withdrew the complaint.

Commissioner Gotan urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary panic and tension within the state.

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