The Osun State Police Command has addressed recent viral videos circulating on social media that allegedly show the arrest of suspected bandits in various parts of the state, describing these reports as misleading.
Clarifying the situation, the Command, through a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, provided the following details:
On June 3, 2026, a man suspected by the public to be a bandit was apprehended along Lameco–Oke-Fia Road in Osogbo. The individual was immediately taken to the Osogbo Area Command for investigation. During preliminary inquiries, officers recovered a knife, a pair of army camouflage trousers, local charms, and some clothing materials. However, the suspect soon showed signs of mental instability, prompting a transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further, discreet investigation.
Subsequent investigations identified the suspect as Adebayo Sunday, 38, whose family later visited the police and confirmed his identity. Detectives also spoke with a native doctor, who revealed that he had treated the suspect for a mental health condition over a decade ago. The suspect was later referred to a psychiatric hospital following an assessment at the Police Clinic.
In a separate incident on the same day, a video emerged online alleging the arrest of suspected bandits in Imesi-Ile. Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer detained the individuals involved for investigation. The Commissioner of Police ordered the case transferred to the SCID for a comprehensive probe.
Findings revealed that the matter was unrelated to banditry and instead concerned malicious damage to farmland. The suspects—Abdullahi Umaru, Usman Bello, and Umaru Aliyu—are cattle rearers who have lived in Imesi-Ile with their families and livestock for over twenty years, a fact confirmed by the Village Head. Both the cattle owners and complainants were interviewed as part of the investigation. While a prima facie case of malicious damage was established, the complainants, Fatorisa Olawale and Adeniyi Adeoye, later chose to resolve the issue amicably and withdrew their complaint.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic or tension in the state. Residents are encouraged to verify news through official channels and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and assures the public of its continued professional response to all security concerns across Osun State.
