Kwara State Police Command has paraded 46 persons suspected of being bandits, amid heightened security operations in the state.
It was learnt that the suspects are undergoing profiling by law enforcement agencies as part of intensified efforts to flush out criminal networks troubling local communities. Security sources said the operation followed weeks of surveillance in areas notorious for violent attacks and kidnappings.
According to the command, the suspects were intercepted on Thursday while riding motorcycles around the Babanla axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area. They were later transported to the state police headquarters in Ilorin in a white Coaster bus under tight security.
The Babanla community has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after a series of bandit attacks that left residents dead and several others abducted.
This has fueled tension and speculation on social media about the involvement of prominent figures.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, dismissed viral claims that the traditional ruler of Babanla and his queens were among those apprehended.
A post widely circulated online had alleged that the monarch was in police custody after security operatives allegedly traced N120 million to proceeds of banditry, with N90 million supposedly recovered from his palace and N30 million from his wife’s bank account.
The story drew sharp reactions, with some commentators praising it as evidence that “no one is above the law.”
But CP Ojo described the report as false, noting that the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf, Arojojoye II, remains on his throne and was never arrested.
“You will discover that the story of the Oba of Babanla being in custody was already circulating before myself and other service chiefs visited Babanla community.
“We, together with the governor, met the traditional ruler in his palace. So, presently, I don’t have any traditional ruler in my custody.
“And the millions of naira they are talking about, the way you are hearing it, that’s how I’m hearing it. That’s why I rely on you people. If I don’t see the story from national or mainstream media platforms, we should discard it,” he stated.
