The Ondo State Police Command has arrested several suspects linked to traffic violations and criminal acts, including the abduction of a traffic officer, assault on law enforcement personnel, reckless driving and obstruction.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, noting that the arrests followed separate incidents in Akure and surrounding areas.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred on April 3, 2026, when one Olopade Abraham and Emmanuel Taiwo allegedly violated traffic signals at Cathedral Junction in Akure.
Jimoh said a Senior Traffic Warden, Kehinde Oliniju, intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to report at the station, but the suspect reportedly sped off with the officer still inside the car.
“While being directed to proceed to the station, the driver suddenly diverted to an unknown destination with the officer still in the vehicle,” the statement read.
The police said a patrol team from the Fanibi Division responded swiftly after an alarm was raised, pursued the vehicle and intercepted it at Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road, successfully rescuing the officer.
“Upon receiving the alert, operatives attached to Fanibi Division mobilised immediately, trailed the vehicle and intercepted it, leading to the safe rescue of the traffic warden,” Jimoh added.
He noted that the suspects were arrested and taken into custody along with the vehicle involved.
In a separate incident on April 5 at about 9:30 p.m., police operatives on routine patrol at the Oba-Ile axis intercepted another vehicle reportedly driving against traffic.
During the enforcement, one Mrs Adeyanju Tolutope, alongside her husband who is currently at large, allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer.
“During the operation, she confronted officers and violently resisted lawful arrest, assaulting a police officer in the process,” the statement said.
The command confirmed that Tolutope had been arrested and had provided useful information, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend her fleeing accomplice.
“All suspects connected to these incidents have been charged to court for prosecution,” the police stated.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers for their professionalism and prompt response, describing their actions as a reflection of the command’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and maintaining public safety.
He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for traffic infractions and attacks on law enforcement personnel, urging residents to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities.