Police authorities have successfully apprehended the four prime suspects involved in the tragic murder of Elizabeth Olaniyan Gbenle, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Civil Service. The 68-year-old woman was brutally killed in her residence in the Apata area of Ibadan last November, during which her belongings, including vehicles, a power-generating set, a substantial amount of money, and other valuables, were forcefully taken.

The suspects, identified as Bello Olalekan (30), Bisiriyu Olalekan (32), Simeon Ojei (38), and Femi Omisore (43), were paraded at the Police Command in Eleyele, Ibadan, on February 14, 2024. State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, disclosed that the arrests were made at various locations within and outside the state.

One of the suspects was residing in the same neighborhood as the victim at the time of the crime and confessed to providing information to other gang members. The suspects, armed with sophisticated firearms and dangerous weapons, invaded Mrs. Gbenle’s residence, robbing her of significant sums of money, electronic devices, and other valuable items. Tragically, they also took her life, leaving her in a pool of blood.

Upon receiving the incident’s petition, the police launched a comprehensive investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Forensic experts and detectives from the Command Monitoring Unit played a crucial role in tracking down Bello Olalekan, Bisiriyu Olalekan, and Simeon Ojei at their respective hideouts. Additionally, Femi Omisore, a criminal receiver, was apprehended, and the two stolen vehicles and a Fireman Generating Set were recovered.

During interrogations, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime. Bello Olalekan, believed to be the gang’s leader, explained that they murdered the victim because she had witnessed him during the armed robbery. Further investigations are ongoing, with the police committed to uncovering additional details surrounding the heinous crime.

In a statement to the media, Bello Olalekan admitted his involvement, stating that he and his friends had targeted the victim to raise money through robbery. Regrettably, the operation led to the death of the woman. Olalekan confessed to receiving N200,000 after selling the stolen cars, emphasizing that this was his first criminal endeavor.

The recovered exhibits include a Toyota Camry Car, a Toyota Corolla Car, and a Fireman Generator. As the investigation progresses, authorities are poised to communicate further developments in due course.

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