The Osun State Police Command has paraded 33-year-old Emmanuel Anthony, a former soldier, accused of posing as a military officer to rob travelers along Ekiti Road. Police allege Anthony forced one victim to transfer N3 million and stole expensive mobile phones valued at N1.25 million from others. The incident occurred in May, with Anthony and his gang reportedly using military uniforms and a Honda Pilot Jeep to intimidate victims.
The command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, revealed that on May 31, two residents of Esa-Oke reported being waylaid by gunmen in military attire. “The assailants forced them into a bush and compelled them to transfer N3 million to an account before being released,” Opalola said. Further investigation traced the bank account to David Agbebaku, already in police custody in Oyo State. This led officers to Anthony in Ibadan, who allegedly confessed to being part of the armed group alongside other dismissed soldiers.
During the parade, Opalola added that several other suspects involved in similar cases were also apprehended. Suspects include Lawan Yaro, Gambo Dugje, Adam Abba, Ali Usman, Ali Muhammed, Abbas Abogu, and Kamal Haudu, who face charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and handling stolen vehicles.
Another case involved 23-year-old Godwin Emmanuel, who allegedly stole a police officer’s phone while being transported to the station. Emmanuel, along with suspects Olajide Kareem and Emmanuel Mike, is linked to a series of robberies on the Ilesa-Osu Expressway. Victims reported being robbed of cash, jewelry, and valuables, with one bus driver sustaining a gunshot injury.
During the investigation, Kareem was identified by a 65-year-old female victim who alleged he raped her when her vehicle was stopped at gunpoint while en route to the hospital with her ailing husband, who died during the ordeal.
According to Opalola, all suspects will face charges upon the completion of investigations, with the police pledging to combat such criminal activity in Osun State.
