Osun Police Arrest Six Over Emir’s Killing, Declare Alowonle, Sibi Wanted

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir, and declared two prominent figures, Nurudeen Alowonle and Adeyemi Ojo, also known as Sibi, wanted over the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, disclosed this on Monday, October 19, 2026, while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Emir was killed during a shooting incident at Mayfair Garage in Ile-Ife on September 13, 2026. The incident occurred amid tensions involving factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Ile-Ife Shooting

According to the police commissioner, homicide detectives, working with the Amotekun Commandant, initially arrested four suspects before subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two additional individuals.

The six suspects were identified as Tijani Ismail, Akinsola Ekundayo, Sijuade Moruf, Ayeni Adegbola Olalekan, Hammed Olalekan Dauda, popularly known as Jagaban, and Waliu Adejare, also called Jay Jay.

Zungura said the investigation led to the recovery of a locally modified firearm allegedly connected to the killing.

He explained that Dauda was reportedly found in possession of the weapon and allegedly told investigators that it had been given to him by Alowonle.

Adejare, identified as Alowonle’s personal assistant, was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

The commissioner alleged that the suspects were mobilised by Alowonle and Ojo, popularly known as Sibi, adding that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the two men and other suspects who remained at large.

The allegations have yet to be tested in court, and the suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.

Investigation Continues as Police Pursue Alowonle, Sibi

The police said the investigation was ongoing, with detectives expected to rely on witness statements, forensic findings and other evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding Emir’s death and determine the individual roles of those implicated.

The declaration of Alowonle and Sibi as wanted suspects marks a significant development in the investigation, which has attracted attention because of the reported rivalry and tensions within the transport union in Osun State.

The authorities have urged anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

The police have also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those found culpable are brought before a court of law.

Police Arrest Six Over Alleged Highway Robbery

In a separate operation, the Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of six suspects over alleged armed robbery activities along the Ile-Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

The suspects were identified as Olaiya Sunday, 27; Akintunde Mariam, 28; Agoro Kudus, 27; Timileyin Idowu, 23; Adekunle Ibrahim, 30; and Temitope Opeyemi, 29.

According to Zungura, the investigation began after police operatives intercepted an unregistered red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle at Akinlalu, in the Ipetumodu area, on September 24.

Two individuals reportedly arrived at the scene and identified the motorcycle rider and passenger, who subsequently escaped, as persons allegedly involved in the theft of their motorcycle and three mobile phones.

Sunday was arrested, while further investigations led to the apprehension of other suspects, including individuals allegedly involved in receiving stolen property.

The commissioner said the suspects reportedly admitted involvement in planned robbery operations extending across Osun, Oyo and Lagos states.

Mariam was also arrested over allegations that she used her National Identification Number to register SIM cards for members of the suspected group.

The police said efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen motorcycle and other missing property.

Suspect Arrested Over Killing of Four in Ile-Ife Community

The police commissioner also disclosed the arrest of Oniyefa Olayemi in connection with the killing of four people during a violent clash between rival groups at Alapa village, along Toro Road, Ile-Ife.

According to the police, the violence occurred between October 4 and 5 following a dispute over control of a cocoa farm.

Zungura said the rival groups were allegedly associated with Awosunle Tosin, who remains at large, and Emmanuel Agunbiade, popularly known as Abore, who was among those killed.

The other victims were identified as Toyin Olagbaju, a 40-year-old woman; Akeem; and Ademola, also known as Small.

The commissioner said detectives recovered two Dane guns, an axe, spent cartridges, ammunition shells and locally made charms from the scene.

Olayemi is reportedly assisting investigators as the police intensify efforts to arrest other suspects who fled and recover additional weapons.

The police warned against the use of violence and illegal firearms to settle land disputes or other disagreements, urging residents to pursue lawful means of resolving conflicts.

Police Promise Prosecution After Investigation

The latest arrests form part of the Osun State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to investigate violent crimes, recover suspected weapons and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.

Zungura assured residents that investigations into the various incidents would continue and that suspects would be charged to court when the necessary inquiries had been concluded.

The cases involving Emir’s killing and the Alapa village violence have renewed concerns about armed clashes, disputes and public safety in Ile-Ife and surrounding communities.

As the investigations proceed, the outcome will depend on the evidence gathered by the police and the legal process required to establish responsibility for the alleged crimes.

By Joseph Iyaji