The Kwara State Police Command has arrested five individuals following the dramatic escape of a suspected drug and arms dealer, identified as Azeez, also known as A-Z. The incident took place in Omu-Aran, located in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to reports, the suspect had already been taken into custody by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad based on intelligence linking him to illegal drug and arms dealings. However, chaos erupted when a group of angry youths reportedly ambushed the officers while they were transporting the suspect to the police station. The interference led to the suspect’s escape.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi confirmed the incident in a statement released to journalists in Ilorin. The statement revealed that the suspect was arrested around 4 p.m. on May 25, 2025, and the team was on its way to the station when they were attacked by a violent crowd that helped Azeez escape.
“While conveying the suspect to the station, a mob of irate youths forcefully intercepted the operatives and aided the suspect’s escape. In line with withdrawal protocols, the officers disengaged tactically and returned to base for a threat re-evaluation,” the statement read.
Shortly after, the same group of youths reportedly attempted to storm the police station but were stopped by officers on duty. The mob then moved to the palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, where they burned a motorcycle belonging to the traditional ruler’s police orderly.
In a separate but related act of violence on May 26, around 2 p.m., the group targeted the Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank. Armed with stones and other weapons, they vandalized security cameras, destroyed the bank’s signboard, and damaged three vehicles parked nearby.
Police reinforcements quickly arrived at the scene, prompting the attackers to flee. Bank staff members were safely evacuated and taken to the police station. Five suspects were taken into custody in connection with the attack.
The statement also noted that Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has ordered tighter security in the area, including increased patrols and surveillance to prevent further unrest.
