Police nab suspected drug dealer in Oyo State

The Oyo State Police have arrested a 28-year-old suspected drug dealer named Rilwan ‘M’. He was caught in the Apata area of Ibadan, which is the state capital.

The police announced the arrest in a statement from their Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Sunday in Ibadan.

Ayanlade said officers arrested Rilwan at around 8am on September 11, 2026. This followed reliable information received by the police.

He explained that operatives from the Iyaganku Area Command started surveillance after getting the tip-off, which led to the suspect's arrest.

He stated, "The suspect, identified as Rilwan ‘M’, aged 28, of Apata area of Ibadan, was arrested yesterday, 11 September 2026, at about 0800hrs. Acting on the intelligence, surveillance operatives of the Iyaganku Area Command commenced targeted surveillance operations, which culminated in the arrest of the suspect."

During the operation, police found illegal drugs in Rilwan's possession.

He added, "Recovered from him were a quantity of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine, alongside other suspected dangerous drugs."

Ayanlade mentioned that the suspect is in police custody and is cooperating with investigators. They are trying to find out where the drugs came from and how involved Rilwan is in the drug trade.

He also said the investigation aims to identify others who might be connected to these activities.

"The suspect is currently in police custody and cooperating with investigators as preliminary investigation continues to establish the source and extent of his involvement in the illicit drug trade, as well as identify other persons who may be connected to the activities," he said.

The PPRO stated that Rilwan would face charges in court once the preliminary investigation is finished.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, noted that drugs play a major role in many crimes.

He emphasized the police's commitment to continue operations based on intelligence against drug trafficking and other crimes in the state.

"Illicit drugs constitute a significant catalyst for various forms of crime and criminality. The command is determined to sustain intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state," Olugbenga said.

The commissioner assured the public that the police will keep identifying and disrupting the supply chains that support crime, especially those linked to illegal drugs. He encouraged people to keep giving credible information to help the police fight crime in Oyo State.