Police nab suspected robber, recover stolen bike in Oyo

The Oyo State Police have arrested a suspected robber and recovered a stolen motorcycle in Ibadan. This happened after they acted quickly on a distress call.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. The police got reliable information from a member of the public about an attack on a commercial motorcyclist who lost his bike along Adeniji Estate, Apata, Ibadan.

The victim, Muhammadu Kamilu, was hit with an iron hammer by a passenger who took his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.

"Acting quickly on the information, operatives of the Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were sent to the scene. Their fast action led to the arrest of the suspect, Shafiu Nuhu, and the recovery of the stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number AJW 842 QU, along with the iron hammer used in the attack," the statement said.

The police noted that Kamilu got hurt during the attack, and a good Samaritan, Nathaniel Ibrahim, was also injured while trying to save him from the robber.

"Both men were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment," the police added.

The police said the suspect admitted during questioning that he was a lone robber targeting commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan.

"Further questioning revealed that he has been working alone, attacking and robbing commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan and nearby areas," the statement explained.

The police are still investigating to see if he is linked to other similar crimes and to find any other evidence related to his activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the residents for their quick actions that helped the operation.

"The Commissioner of Police appreciates the vigilance, bravery, and quick response of the good Samaritan, along with the timely sharing of reliable information by the public, which significantly helped in the successful operation," the statement said.

The police commissioner urged the public to stay alert and keep working with the police by reporting any suspicious people and activities through the right channels.

The command promised to keep fighting crime, saying it "remains dedicated to protecting lives and property and will continue to use smart and proactive policing methods to ensure that criminals are caught and punished."