Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected robber, Shafiu Nuhu, for allegedly attacking a commercial motorcyclist with a hammer and stealing his motorcycle in the Apata area of Ibadan.
The command said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, along Adeniji Estate, where the suspect allegedly disguised himself as a passenger before launching the attack.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspect allegedly struck the commercial motorcyclist, identified as Muhammadu Kamilu, several times with an iron hammer, leaving him seriously injured before making away with his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number AJW 842 QU.
The police said a passerby, Nathaniel Ibrahim, who attempted to rescue the victim during the attack, was also assaulted and sustained injuries.
Following a distress call from members of the public, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) swiftly responded to the scene and tracked down the suspect.
“Acting promptly on the actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were immediately deployed to the scene. Their swift intervention culminated in the arrest of the suspect,” Olayinka said.
The police recovered the stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle as well as the iron hammer allegedly used during the robbery. The two injured victims were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and allegedly told investigators that he operated alone, targeting commercial motorcyclists in Ibadan and its surrounding communities.
The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect is connected to other robbery incidents across the state and to recover any additional exhibits linked to his alleged criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the bravery of Nathaniel Ibrahim for attempting to rescue the victim despite the danger involved. He also praised residents whose prompt information enabled the police to respond quickly and apprehend the suspect.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, assuring residents that the command remains committed to tackling violent crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Oyo State.