No fewer than 46 suspected bandits riding motorcycles were arrested on Thursday at the Babanla axis of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. They were brought to the state police headquarters in Ilorin in a white Coaster bus by operatives of the command.

It was gathered that the suspects are currently being profiled by security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to rid communities in the state of criminal elements.

The Babanla area of the state has been in the news in recent weeks for attacks by bandits who killed and kidnapped residents at will.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, has debunked social media reports claiming that a traditional ruler and his queens were arrested for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping.

A viral post had alleged that the “King of Babanla” and his queens were in police custody after N120 million linked to banditry was discovered, with N90 million allegedly recovered from the monarch’s palace and N30 million traced to the queen’s account. The report sparked mixed reactions online, with some hailing it as proof that “no one is above the law.”

Reacting, CP Ojo dismissed the claims, insisting no traditional ruler is in police custody. He also described the alleged recovery of millions of naira as unverified hearsay.

“You will discover that the story of the Oba of Babanla being in custody was already circulating before myself and other service chiefs visited Babanla community. We, together with the governor, met the traditional ruler in his palace then. So, presently, I don’t have any traditional ruler in my custody.

“And the millions of naira they are talking about — the way you are hearing it, that’s how I’m hearing it. That’s why I rely on you people. If I don’t see the story from national or mainstream media platforms, we should discard it,” the police commissioner stated.

The Oba of Babanla, in Ifelodun LGA, is Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf, Arojojoye II. (Saturday Tribune)