In a significant breakthrough, the Ogun State police command has apprehended a wanted suspect, Shedrack Olawale Olayemi, who has been on the police radar for his involvement in a series of armed robberies and sexual assaults targeting female students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun. The arrest was made on Monday by officers of the Igbeba Division, Ijebu-Ode, following a tip-off.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State police command, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the arrest in an official statement sent to journalists. According to Odutola, Olayemi, aged 33, had been evading arrest since July, when he was implicated in a violent robbery and rape incident at the Royal Villa accommodation in TASUED. After months of evasion, an intelligence report revealed that the suspect had been sighted in the university area, attempting to blend in with the local populace in a bid to avoid detection.
The Arrest of Olayemi
In the statement, SP Odutola explained how Olayemi was caught after swift police action was triggered by a credible tip-off. “The divisional police officer of Igbeba Division has arrested a wanted notorious suspect for armed robbery,” the statement read. “Following a tip-off, that one Olayemi Olawale Shedrack, aged 33, was sighted in Ijagun, trying to conceal himself among other citizens, his identity was immediately confirmed by intelligence, and the police were contacted.”
The police wasted no time in responding, and Olayemi was apprehended before he could flee the area. Olayemi has been linked to a robbery and rape incident that occurred on July 21, 2024, where he and his accomplices reportedly broke into the Royal Villa, a female students’ accommodation at TASUED. Armed with weapons, they robbed the students of their valuables, including laptops, iPhones, sports wristwatches, and cash. Additionally, the suspect is alleged to have sexually assaulted one of the female students during the raid, an act that has intensified public outrage and calls for justice.
Police Investigation and Further Actions
Olayemi has been taken to the Igbeba police station for initial interrogation. A preliminary investigation into his activities has commenced, and the suspect will soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough probe. The police intend to uncover the full extent of his criminal network, as well as gather sufficient evidence to ensure his prosecution in court.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has ordered the immediate arrest of Olayemi’s accomplices. CP Mustapha has also made a public appeal to members of the Ijagun community, urging them to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining members of the criminal gang. His message to the community highlighted the importance of collaboration between the police and citizens to tackle crime and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
Impact on the Community
The arrest of Olayemi is a relief for the Ijagun community, especially for the female students of Tai Solarin University of Education, who have been living in fear since the July attack. Many had expressed concerns about the safety of their environment, as the attack took place in a student housing area meant to provide security for the young women pursuing their education.
This incident has raised broader discussions about campus safety and the need for increased security measures in and around university environments. The police’s swift action in apprehending Olayemi is a step towards restoring confidence among students and the larger community.
The arrest also serves as a warning to other criminals operating in the region, as the Ogun State police command has intensified its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. With Olayemi in custody, the hope is that the remaining gang members will be swiftly apprehended, and justice will be served for the victims of their crimes.
A Call for Justice
As the investigation continues, there is a strong call from the public for justice to be served. The crimes committed by Olayemi and his gang have left lasting scars on the victims, and their prosecution will be an essential part of the healing process for those affected. The police have reassured the public that they are committed to ensuring that the suspect and his cohorts are fully brought to justice.
This case highlights the critical role that community cooperation and intelligence gathering play in combating crime. By sharing information and supporting the police, the citizens of Ijagun have helped to bring a dangerous criminal to justice. As Olayemi faces his day in court, the Ogun State police command’s actions signal a broader commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining law and order across the state.
