Police recapture fleeing kidnap suspect in Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who earlier escaped from custody.

According to verified sources, the suspect’s escape initially aroused tension, panic, and protests in various communities of the state.

The suspect, identified as Ayomide Kareem, was captured on the night of March 17 by operatives of the Ojongbodu Area Command during a stop-and-search operation in Oyo.

Police said the suspect was stopped after he was seen behaving suspiciously around Irepo Junction. Further checks confirmed he was the same individual who fled from custody at the Jobele division on March 10 while being held over a kidnapping case.

According to the police, Kareem is currently in custody and cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Authorities also disclosed that officers linked to the escape have been detained and are undergoing disciplinary procedures, while the divisional police officer of the affected station has been redeployed.

It was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had earlier ordered a manhunt following the escape, which eventually resulted in the suspect’s recapture.

Reassuring residents, the police stressed their commitment to maintaining security and urged the public to remain law-abiding and continue providing timely information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.