Crime Busting: Residents Applaud Zone 2 Police Operatives for Nabbing Seven Alleged Notorious Murderers in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos

By Raheem Ibrahim

Residents of Orile-Iganmu have commended operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, for a major breakthrough in the arrest of seven suspected criminals allegedly involved in multiple murders in the state.

Some residents who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity disclosed that the police crackdown on the notorious gang has restored peace to the Orile-Iganmu community, as other members of the group have reportedly fled the area.

According to the sources, “since the time of their apprehension by the police, some beer parlours where they usually assembled have become almost deserted, with few people patronising them. But we residents, who had been living in fear before now, can move around freely without molestation.”

The sources alleged that the suspects are members of notorious criminal gangs linked to multiple murders, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, adding that anyone who attempted to speak out was dealt with by the criminals.

Confirming the development, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), DSP Afolayan Gbenga, in a statement on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, said: “Operatives of the Zonal Puff Adder Team, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Fawas Opeyemi Alarape, 23, also known as ‘Karube,’ on March 3, 2026. He is suspected to be a key figure in cases of multiple murders, armed robbery, and stealing.”

“Following his arrest, the suspect led police operatives to a notorious criminal hideout described as the ‘Lion’s Den’ on Adeleye Street, Orile-Iganmu, where five additional suspects were apprehended.

“Those arrested include Soliu Ahmed (23), aka ‘Tinko Butcher Man’; Oluwaseun Bolarinwa (26), aka ‘Porta’; Bamidele Mustapha (33), aka ‘Mentor’; Abass Abideen (22), aka ‘Omo Olomo’; and Salisu Ali (24), aka ‘Omo Hausa,’” the statement read.

The ZPPRO further revealed that another suspect, Atanda Lukmon (30), aka ‘Bansa,’ was later arrested at Whitesand in Orile-Iganmu. He added that during the operation, police recovered a cache of weapons and items believed to have been used in criminal activities.

Items recovered include a locally made cut-to-size shotgun, four cutlasses, a knife, a claw hammer, four live cartridges, three expended cartridges, and assorted charms.

Police said the prime suspect, Alarape, confessed to participating in the murder of a tricycle rider, identified as Ikujowolo, at Shitta Under Bridge in Surulere, after robbing him of his tricycle.

The suspect disclosed that the crime was carried out with an accomplice, Ahmed Oladele, also known as “Small Messi,” who is currently on the run.

Other gang members allegedly involved include Mustapha Bamidele, Bolarinwa Oluwaseun, and Soliu Ahmed.

Further confessions linked the suspects to the killings of Olumide Adegbite, aka “Okoro,” on February 14, 2026, and Kehinde Shuaibu and Monday Okoro on February 18, 2026, all within the Orile-Iganmu area.

The police said the suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations, adding that they will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

While commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, AIG Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to ridding Lagos and Ogun states of criminal elements. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.