By Super Blessing:-
The Osun State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that suspected bandits were recently arrested in parts of the state, describing the reports as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The Command made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, obtained by thecasternews, following the circulation of videos alleging that bandits had been apprehended in Osogbo and Imesi-Ile communities.
According to the statement, one of the incidents involved a man who was apprehended by members of the public along the Lameco–Oke-Fia Road in Osogbo on June 3, 2026. The man was allegedly mistaken for a suspected bandit and was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
The police disclosed that the suspect was immediately taken to the Osogbo Area Command at Oke-Fia, where preliminary investigations were conducted. During the process, officers recovered several items from him, including a knife, an army camouflage trouser, local charms, and some clothing materials.
However, investigators soon observed signs suggesting that the suspect might be suffering from a mental health condition. As a result, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more detailed and discreet investigation.
Further inquiries revealed the suspect’s identity as Adebayo Sunday, a 38-year-old man whose family members later visited the police and confirmed his identity. Detectives also traced and interviewed a native doctor who disclosed that he had treated the suspect for a mental-related ailment more than a decade ago.
To ascertain his medical condition, the suspect was taken to the Police Clinic for assessment. Following medical examination, he was referred to a psychiatric hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The Command also addressed another viral video that claimed some suspected bandits had been arrested in Imesi-Ile, a community in Obokun Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Ojelabi explained that upon receiving information about the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area immediately mobilized officers and arrested the individuals involved to determine the true circumstances surrounding the matter.
Following directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the case was transferred to the SCID for comprehensive investigation.
The investigation established that the matter had no connection whatsoever with banditry or any form of terrorist activity. Instead, detectives discovered that the dispute arose from allegations of malicious damage to farmland.
The individuals arrested were identified as Abdullahi Umaru, Usman Bello, and Umaru Aliyu, all cattle rearers who reside in Imesi-Ile with their families and livestock.
As part of the investigation, police detectives interviewed community leaders, including the village head, who confirmed that the cattle rearers and their families had lived peacefully within the community for more than twenty years without any record linking them to criminal activities.
The owners of the cattle were also interviewed, while investigators gathered statements from all parties involved in the dispute. Findings from the investigation pointed to a prima facie case of malicious damage rather than any allegation of banditry.
The police, however, noted that the complainants, identified as Fatorisa Olawale and Adeniyi Adeoye, later informed investigators of their desire to settle the matter amicably. Consequently, they withdrew their complaint, bringing the matter to a close.
Reacting to the viral reports, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information, especially on social media platforms, where false narratives can quickly trigger fear and insecurity among residents.
He stressed that inaccurate reports have the potential to undermine public confidence, disrupt peace, and create unnecessary tension within communities.
The Commissioner urged citizens to always verify security-related information through official channels and encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or other recognized security agencies.
He further reassured the people of Osun State that the Command remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
The Police Command reiterated that it would continue to respond professionally to all security concerns while maintaining robust intelligence gathering and community policing efforts aimed at preserving peace and security throughout Osun State.
