In a significant breakthrough, Oyo State Police have apprehended five individuals believed to be responsible for the tragic demise of Olaitan Gbenle, a retired 68-year-old permanent secretary in the state’s civil service. Mrs. Gbenle was brutally strangled in her residence at Apata area of Ibadan on November 10, 2023.
Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat, unveiled the suspects before reporters on Wednesday in Ibadan, unveiling a total of 30 individuals apprehended for suspected involvement in crimes ranging from murder to armed robbery and cult activities.
According to Hamzat, the five suspects detained in connection with the former permanent secretary’s murder executed a heinous attack armed with sophisticated weapons, robbing Mrs. Gbenle of significant sums of money. Additionally, they seized her mobile phones, a large generator, laptops, and various valuables before fleeing the scene in her Toyota vehicles.
“Adding to the gravity of their actions, the suspects callously ended Mrs. Gbenle’s life, leaving her in a pool of blood,” Hamzat stated.
The alleged ringleader of the robbery syndicate, along with two accomplices, was apprehended at separate hideouts, the commissioner disclosed. He noted that the suspects admitted to the crime during interrogation, with their leader confessing that Mrs. Gbenle was targeted because she recognized her attackers.
Further investigations led to the capture of an individual who received the stolen vehicles and generator. Remarkably, one of the suspects revealed that he resided in the same community as the deceased and played a crucial role in orchestrating the crime.
“I received N200,000 as my share after we disposed of her vehicles,” the suspect disclosed to journalists.
The swift and decisive action of the Oyo State Police in apprehending the suspects brings hope for justice and closure to the family of the late Mrs. Gbenle, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.
