By Law Ibitoye
The Ekiti State Police Command has recorded a significant decline in major crimes in 2025, with 3,490 suspects arrested and prosecuted for various offences across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, disclosed this on Tuesday ,December 30, 2025, during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti to review the Command’s 2025 performance and outline security strategies for 2026.
CP Eribo commended the media for their support, describing journalists as key partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment. He attributed Ekiti State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states to effective collaboration among security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations and law-abiding residents.
According to crime statistics released by the Command, murder cases dropped from 53 in 2024 to 37 in 2025, kidnapping from 17 to 7, armed robbery from 18 to 7 and cultism from 12 to 7. Other crimes, including rape, housebreaking, defilement and attempted murder, also recorded noticeable reductions.
The Police Commissioner noted that while crime cannot be totally eliminated, swift response and decisive action by officers have helped curb criminal activities and prevent reoccurrence.
He highlighted key operational successes, including the arrest of a notorious robbery and kidnapping suspect, Adinoi Samuel (aka Samuel Ebira), and his accomplices while planning bank attacks in Ado-Ekiti. The suspect was linked to several high-profile crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping and vehicle snatching.
In separate operations, police arrested four armed robbery suspects along Ilawe Road, recovered a stolen Bajaj motorcycle, foiled a burglary in Ado-Ekiti G.R.A with items worth ₦3.5 million recovered, apprehended kidnapping informants in Itapaji-Ekiti, and arrested a suspect in Ilasa-Ekiti with 42 stolen mobile phones and power banks valued at ₦1.8 million.
CP Eribo appreciated the support of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and officers of the Command.
Looking ahead, he said the Command will intensify proactive policing in 2026 through visibility patrols, raids on criminal hideouts, intelligence-led operations, bush-combing and increased use of technology, while strengthening community policing.
He also urged the media to uphold ethical standards and avoid misinformation, stressing that accuracy should take precedence over speed in reporting.
The Commissioner assured residents of continued professionalism and respect for human rights, while calling for public cooperation to sustain peace and security in the state.
Also, the CP decorated four newly promoted SP to CSP rank. They are
CSP Adeniran Akinwumi
CSP Ofanson Vincent
CSP Ogunleye Kehinde
CSP Falade Sesan Reuben. He charged them to redouble their efforts, saying the promotion calls for more dedication, responsibility and professionalism.
The CP wished Ekiti residents a peaceful and crime-free New Year.