The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the re-arrest of a suspected kidnapper who previously escaped from police custody, an incident that had sparked protests and concern among residents.

According to a statement released by the Command, the suspect—identified as Ayomide Kareem, 25—was apprehended on March 17, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. He was intercepted by officers attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command during a routine stop-and-search operation at Irepo Junction in the Ojongbodu area of Oyo.

Police said Kareem was found behaving suspiciously while trekking in the area and was subsequently stopped for questioning. Further checks confirmed he was the same individual who had escaped from custody at the Jobele Division on March 10, 2026, where he was being held in connection with a suspected kidnapping case.

The suspect is currently back in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had earlier ordered a manhunt for the suspect following his escape. The Command also took disciplinary action against officers involved in the incident, describing their conduct as unprofessional. Those officers have since been detained and are undergoing internal disciplinary proceedings.

In addition, the Divisional Police Officer of the Jobele Division was redeployed as part of broader administrative measures aimed at strengthening accountability within the force.

The police noted that the earlier escape triggered protests in the community, prompting swift action to restore public confidence.

Reassuring residents, the Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety and bringing criminals to justice. It also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to continue providing credible information to support security efforts.