Police arrest three for grave desecration and transformer vandalism in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspects for vandalising a power transformer and tampering with a grave.  The spokesperson of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 said the suspects were arrested at different locations within Ibadan.  The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation into a case of alleged grave tampering reported in the Itesiwaju Ariyo area of Ibadan. On 24th December, 2025, at about 0300hrs, a representative of the community, on behalf of residents of the area, reported at the Police Station that earlier on the same date at about 0103hrs, an unknown person was sighted within a residential compound in the area, the statement read. “Upon alarm being raised, occupants of the house came out and discovered a dried human head beside a bathroom, while further checks revealed that the grave of a deceased landlady within the compound had been tampered with. Following the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene of crime, where a suspect who had earlier fled the scene was arrested.  “The suspect, one Hammed Oy Eleke (M), aged 30 years, was sighted at the scene before the alarm was raised, after which he reportedly jumped over the fence and fled.  “However, through intelligence-led policing, operatives of the Command subsequently apprehended the suspect. The exhibit was secured, and the suspect is currently cooperating with the Police by providing useful information that is aiding ongoing investigation to unravel the intention and purpose of the act.  “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), appreciated the cooperation of members of the public for their timely assistance to the Police and also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his sustained support and strategic leadership.  “He further directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, for discreet and comprehensive investigation. While congratulating residents of the State on the New Year celebration, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), advised members of the public, particularly those going out for prayers and other religious activities during this period, to ensure such activities are conducted in well-lit and easily accessible areas, to enable prompt response should any emergency arise.  “He further reminded the public that the ban on the use of fireworks remains in force, noting that miscreants and men of the underworld could exploit such activities as cover for nefarious acts.  Members of the public were also advised to periodically share their locations with trusted family members and friends and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or security post. The Oyo State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property. The PPRO disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged vandalization of a power transformer and theft of electrical components at Akala Estate, Akobo area of Ibadan, following swift action by operatives of the Command.  On 30th December, 2025, at about 0630hrs, a report was received at the Akobo Divisional Police Headquarters from a security guard attached to Akala Estate. While on routine patrol within the estate, he sighted a suspicious male carrying a bag, the statement read. “Upon search, the bag was found to contain suspected stolen transformer wires, alongside tools allegedly used in cutting the wires. This timely report provided the first crucial lead in the investigation. Acting on this information, the suspect, identified as Joshua Israel (M), was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime and implicated one Abang Takon (M) as his accomplice, providing a key link to a broader investigation into the criminal act.  “A swift response team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Akobo Division, subsequently arrested Abang Takon. The suspect claimed to be personnel of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Odogbo Barracks, but further investigation revealed that he had been dismissed and previously prosecuted, disproving his assertion.  “This discovery underscored the importance of thorough intelligence-led policing in preventing misrepresentation and further criminality. Investigation into the case is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.  “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), commended the vigilance and timely intervention of the security guard and operatives of Akobo Division, whose prompt actions led to the successful apprehension of the suspects.  “He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his continuous support and strategic leadership.  “While reassuring the public of the Commands commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, CP Femi Haruna further reminded residents to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security post. He urged continued vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to protect lives, property, and public assets.  The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its zero tolerance for vandalism and criminal acts against public infrastructure and calls on members of the public to remain alert and proactive in supporting the Police to maintain security and law and order.  The post Police arrest three for grave desecration and transformer vandalism in Oyo appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.