The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, made a significant announcement on Thursday as he paraded Lamidi Mukaila, widely known as Auxiliary, the former Chairman of the Park Management System.
Auxiliary’s apprehension comes after months of evading law enforcement, with accusations ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and murder.
Auxiliary’s capture unfolded following an operation by the Department of State Services, who apprehended him at his Olodo residence in Ibadan, the state capital.
The police, having declared him wanted previously, wasted no time in parading him at the state police command headquarters, where Commissioner Adebola confirmed that he would face charges in court.
Commissioner Adebola shed light on the extensive efforts undertaken to track down Auxiliary, citing intelligence gathering, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts with other security agencies and community policing initiatives.
The culmination of these efforts led to Auxiliary’s arrest at his Diamond Hotel residence, where a cache of weapons and other incriminating items were seized.
Among the recovered items were firearms, ammunition, various types of weapons, communication devices, and a substantial amount of cash.
He said, “Discreet intelligence-led search commenced for the sacked PMS chieftain with the help of technology, collaborative efforts with sister services and community policing, many locations were identified, traced and combed for months until his recent arrest in a concerted effort with our sister services.
“Exhibits recovered in his possession at his Diamond Hotel residence around Alakia-Isebo Egbeda under Egbeda Local Government Area at the time include one AK-47 Riffle, four AK-47 magazines, 84 live AK-47 Ammunitions, 19 pump action riffles, one Barreta pistol, seven cut-to-size guns, one English made Barrel Gun.
“724 live cartridges, 25 cutlasses, Seven Jack knives, 33 mobile phones, one Samsung laptop, charms, one Mazda Bus, one Toyota Sienna, cash sum of N3,450,000.00. Moving forward, the suspect would be charged to court for offenses committed.”
Commissioner Adebola emphasized that Auxiliary would face prosecution for his alleged involvement in criminal activities, highlighting the gravity of the charges against him.
In expressing gratitude to the public for their cooperation and provision of credible information, Commissioner Adebola emphasized the commitment of the police to combat crime in the state.
He issued a stern warning to individuals or groups with criminal intent, emphasizing the resolve of law enforcement to prevent any regression into lawlessness reminiscent of past eras.
As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the judicial system as it prepares to adjudicate the charges against Auxiliary, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to uphold law and order in Oyo State.