By Our Reporter
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man over the alleged defilement of a 12-year-old girl in Ibadan, while also investigating a suspected murder case and a fatal motorcyclist incident in separate developments.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the command identified the suspect, popularly known as “Abule,” as being involved in the alleged assault which occurred in the Araromi area of Molete, Ibadan.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly lured the victim, who was hawking snacks, into an uncompleted building under the pretext of making payment before committing the offence.
Operatives from the Sanyo Division reportedly responded swiftly to the incident, while the survivor was taken for medical examination and treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, has ordered the transfer of the case to the Gender Department for further investigation, reaffirming the command’s resolve to prosecute offenders.
In a separate case, the police said investigations have commenced into the death of a 35-year-old woman, Rukayat Rafiu, allegedly linked to a 37-year-old suspect, Basiru Rasheed Orelope.
The suspect was reported to have brought the deceased’s body to a residence under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary findings, however, revealed no visible marks of violence, and the body has been deposited for autopsy.
During interrogation, the suspect claimed the deceased, said to be his customer, fell ill while they were together in Ago-Iwoye, Ago-Iwoye, and died after efforts to obtain medical care failed. He added that he subsequently transported her remains to Ibadan.
Police authorities said the suspect remains in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.
Meanwhile, the command confirmed the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Umar Yahúza, following a lone accident at a Border Patrol checkpoint along the Iseyin/Oyo Road.
The victim was reportedly taken to Fadok Hospital for treatment but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The incident sparked a protest by commercial motorcyclists, who alleged the involvement of officers at the checkpoint. However, the police said the situation was brought under control after engagement with community leaders.
The command disclosed that two officers—an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector attached to the Border Patrol Unit—have been detained pending investigation, with the case to be handled by the SCID.
Reiterating its commitment to accountability and transparency, the Commissioner of Police assured that any officer found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with the law, while urging residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
