By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says two suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack of the fuji icon, Alhaji Abass Obesere, and his team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obesere and his team were attacked by touts on Friday during a burial ceremony at Government field, Okitipupa Local Government Area in Ondo State.

Obesere was manhandled while one of his boys was stabbed with a knife and their belongings taken away by the touts.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

Ayanlade said the breakthrough followed the command’s prompt response to credible intelligence indicating Obesere was assaulted during the event.

He said further investigations revealed a group of suspected hoodlums, led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as “Emir”, allegedly attacked the musician while he was performing.

“During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing N4 million, a gold chain, handset, and wristwatch.

“The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene.

“Acting swiftly on these findings, operatives of the command initiated targeted operations which resulted in the arrest of two key suspects identified as Michael Abbey ‘M’ a.k.a Emir and Oniye Oke ‘M’.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal operation and the sum of N479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds.

“Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case,” Ayanlade said.

Similarly, Mr Andrew Ogunsakin, Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area, also confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by his Press Secretary, Tosin Atejusunle.

Ogunsakin said the arrest was part of his administration’s stance against any form of lawlessness or hooliganism within the local government area.

The chairman explained that he had already reached out to Obesere and his team for a meeting to address the situation comprehensively, and ensure that such an occurrence did not repeat itself.

“I am expressing my gratitude to the security operatives for their swift response and cooperation because your professionalism played a vital role in restoring calm, and also supporting the ongoing investigation,” Ogunsakin said. (NAN)