Mar 18 • 15:34 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Police re-arrest fleeing kidnap suspect in Oyo

The Oyo State Police have re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who previously escaped custody, following public protests over the incident.

In Oyo State, Nigeria, the police have successfully re-arrested Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old suspected kidnapper, who had escaped from police custody earlier in March 2026. The re-arrest occurred during a routine patrol on March 17, 2026, when officers noticed Kareem trekking suspiciously in the Ojongbodu area. His identifiable characteristics aided the police in confirming his identity and linking him back to the kidnapping investigation.

The original escape of Kareem from the Jobele Division on March 10 had raised significant public concern and led to protests in the community. The incident highlighted issues surrounding police custody and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Nigeria. The community's response reflects a growing demand for accountability and transparency from law enforcement agencies.

Following his re-arrest, the Oyo State Police Command indicated that they are taking necessary measures to ensure that such an incident does not recur, emphasizing the importance of public trust in law enforcement. The suspect's return to custody allows the case to proceed and for the police to address the previous breaches in security protocols that permitted his escape.

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