Police arrest alleged killer of Ondo business man

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a prime suspect in the murder of the business man, Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Late Awoyinka, who dealt in building materials, was allegedly assassinated by some unknown gunmen at his residence opposite Caring Heart Mega School, Idi mango area, a few weeks ago.

According to a source in the community, the incident happened shortly after the deceased left the mosque for Ramadan prayer.

“He was assassinated the moment he left the mosque after Taraweeh prayer (a voluntary prayer during Ramadan), very close to his house, around 8:35 p.m. on Saturday. After he left the mosque, some persons dressed in white attire alighted from a motorcycle and stayed around the place.

“As he (deceased )was about to enter his house, they ambushed him and shot him. He was shot at close range, and he died on the spot,” the source said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olayinka Alayande, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed the arrest of the suspect identified as Ijalo.

The statement read, ” The Ondo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the murder case of Late Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, a prominent businessman who was gruesomely killed in his residence in Ore on March 1, this year.

“Following a discreet and thorough investigation, officers of the Command apprehended the prime suspect, one Ijalo, on the 10/04/2024, an alleged resident of Osogbo. The arrest was made after a painstaking manhunt led operatives back to Ore, where a locally-made pistol believed to have been used in the murder, along with criminal charms, were recovered during a search of the suspect’s premises.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Wilfred Afolabi, commended the diligence of his men and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.”

The police assured the people of the state that no stone would be left unturned in ridding the state of criminal elements, with renewed focus on intelligence-driven policing.