The Police Command in Ondo State says it has successfully arrested the man suspected of killing Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, a well-known businessman in Ore town, Odigbo Local Government Area. Sumaila was shot and killed by unknown gunmen in front of his home on March 1, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The businessman, who was popular in the area for selling building materials, was murdered right outside his residence, which is located opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.
DSP Ayanlade Olushola, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the arrest in a statement shared with journalists on Friday in Akure. He noted that the suspect, identified simply as “Ijalo,” was tracked down and arrested in Osogbo, Osun State, on April 10 after weeks of careful investigation.
According to Olushola, the breakthrough in the case came after a detailed manhunt led the police team from Ore to Osogbo. “The arrest was made after a painstaking manhunt led operatives back to Ore,” he said.
During a search of the suspect’s residence, police recovered a locally-made pistol believed to have been used in the murder. Officers also found several criminal charms, which have been taken in as evidence.
Olushola further noted that the police are determined to make Ondo State a safer place for all residents. He said officers would continue their work to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state.
“The arrest of this suspect is a step forward in our ongoing efforts to rid the state of violent crime and bring justice to the families affected,” he added.
