Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
OYO STATE, Nigeria — The Oyo State Police Command has successfully re-arrested a kidnapping suspect who had previously escaped from custody, addressing heightened public concern and reinforcing the state’s commitment to law enforcement. The suspect, 25-year-old Ayomide Kareem, was apprehended late on the night of March 17, 2026, during a routine patrol operation in the Ojongbodu area of Oyo. Officers stopped and questioned a man matching Kareem’s description before confirming his identity and taking him back into custody. He is currently assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries into the kidnapping case that led to his initial arrest.
Kareem’s re-arrest follows his escape from the Jobele Police Division on March 10, which had triggered widespread alarm among residents and security officials. The escape prompted protests in communities along the Ibadan-Oyo expressway, particularly in the Jobele area of Afijio Local Government, where residents demanded increased security and accountability from the police.
Prior to his re-arrest, the Oyo State Police Command launched an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kareem’s escape. The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, ordered disciplinary measures against officers believed to have been involved, pending the outcome of the probe. The Divisional Police Officer of Jobele Division, the Assistant Superintendent of Police who led patrols at the time, and other officers were queried, while one inspector was detained as part of a review of procedures. These steps were taken amid public concern over lapses in detainee supervision.
Community members had expressed frustration following the original escape, citing frequent kidnappings and violent crimes in the Jobele area. Residents recalled instances where suspected kidnappers were apprehended and handed over to police only for them to be released without explanation, further eroding public trust. Reports also included incidents of near-abductions, highlighting the real fear among locals and the urgent need for stronger security measures.
Following Kareem’s re-arrest, the police command emphasized its commitment to public safety and justice. In an official statement, authorities reaffirmed that investigations into the kidnapping case and the original escape remain active. Citizens were urged to remain calm and provide credible information to assist law enforcement, with authorities assuring that regained custody demonstrates intensified efforts to combat crime and prevent future breaches.
The developments highlight broader security challenges in southwest Nigeria, where communities have increasingly reported abductions and other violent crimes. The police command has underscored professionalism, accountability, and operational reforms as priorities, acknowledging that public trust is crucial in addressing complex criminal activities. Disciplinary actions against officers linked to Kareem’s escape reflect this focus on institutional accountability.
Kareem will remain in detention while cooperating with investigators, and any charges related to the kidnapping offence and his escape will be pursued under Nigerian law. Police confirmed that the patrol team responsible for his recapture acted on intelligence and routine surveillance, demonstrating ongoing efforts to track and apprehend suspects who attempt to evade justice.
For residents along the Jobele corridor, the return of the suspect to custody has brought reassurance. Community leaders have called for sustained security presence, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to prevent further kidnappings. They have also advocated for formal community-based security initiatives operating within legal frameworks to strengthen protection measures.
As investigations continue, the Oyo State Police Command reiterated that any future escapes or lapses in detention will be met with prompt disciplinary action. The command encouraged anyone with information related to the escape or other kidnapping incidents to come forward through official channels, emphasizing that collaboration between the public and law enforcement remains essential for improving safety and reducing crime across the state.
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