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By John Ogunsemore
The Oyo State Police Command has re-arrested a 25-year-old man, Ayomide Kareem, who previously escaped from custody in connection with suspected kidnapping.
Command spokesman, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade disclosed this in a Wednesday statement.
He disclosed that Kareem had escaped from police custody on March 10, 2026, an incident which generated public concern and protests within the affected community.
The statement reads, “On the 17th of March, 2026 at about 11:30 p.m., operatives attached to Ojongbodu Area Command, while on routine stop-and-search patrol at Irepo Junction, Ojongbodu area of Oyo, intercepted a suspicious individual observed trekking within the vicinity.
“The individual was promptly stopped and subjected to questioning.
“Upon interrogation, he was identified as one Ayomide Kareem, male, aged 25 years, of Osorun’s Compound, Oyo.
“Further checks confirmed that he is the same suspect who had earlier escaped from police custody at Jobele Division on the 10th of March, 2026 in connection with a case of suspected kidnapping.”
Ayanlade added that the suspect is currently in custody and assisting the police with ongoing investigations.
The command spokesman disclosed that following the escape and the “unprofessional conduct” of the operatives involved – who have since been detained and are undergoing orderly room trial – the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, ordered an intensive manhunt to ensure the prompt re-arrest of the suspect.
It will be recalled that the earlier escape of the suspect sparked protests within the community.
Ayanlade said the command responded by initiating a comprehensive disciplinary process against officers found wanting in the incident, including the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Jobele Division, alongside other administrative measures aimed at reinforcing accountability and professionalism within the force.
