The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a key suspect in connection with the murder of Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, a prominent businessman, in Ore, located in the state’s Odigbo Local Government Area.
Awoyinka, a building materials dealer, was fatally shot by unknown assailants at his residence near Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area. The incident occurred shortly after the victim returned from the mosque, where he had attended Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.
A local resident revealed that Awoyinka was ambushed shortly after leaving the mosque around 8:35 p.m. on a Saturday.
“As he approached his house, some individuals dressed in white clothing alighted from a motorcycle and positioned themselves nearby. When he got closer to his home, they ambushed him and shot him at close range, causing his immediate death,” the source said.
In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the arrest of the primary suspect, identified as Ijalo.
The statement read: “After conducting a thorough and confidential investigation, the Ondo State Police Command apprehended the prime suspect, Ijalo, on April 10, 2024. Ijalo, a resident of Osogbo, was tracked down after a series of well-coordinated efforts, which led officers back to Ore. During a search of his residence, the police recovered a locally-made pistol, believed to have been used in the crime, along with several criminal charms.”
The Ondo State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, praised the dedication of the officers involved in the operation, reaffirming the police force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents.
The police emphasized that the investigation is part of a broader strategy focused on intelligence-driven policing and eliminating criminal elements from the state.
