Ondo Police Arrest 53-Year-Old Suspected Local Gunmaker in Ile-Oluji Crackdown

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old suspected local arms manufacturer, Kareem Fatia, in Ile-Oluji as part of intensified efforts to tackle the spread of illegal firearms and reduce violent crimes across the state.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the suspect was apprehended on October 15, 2025, after detectives from the Yaba Divisional Headquarters acted on credible intelligence.

During the raid at Eyingun-Owode area of Ile-Oluji, police operatives recovered three single-barrel guns, three Dane guns, and one unfinished gun barrel concealed in a bush behind the suspect’s home.

DSP Olayinka confirmed that two additional suspects were also taken into custody in connection with the illegal arms operation. He noted that investigations are ongoing to establish possible ties between the suspects and violent crimes in the area, as well as to identify buyers of the weapons.

The principal suspect and the confiscated firearms have been handed over to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for further investigation and potential prosecution.

Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal gun possession, production, and sales. He warned individuals involved in such criminal acts to desist immediately or be prepared to face the full force of the law.