Detectives from the Ondo State police command have apprehended a prime suspect, simply identified as Ijalo, in the murder case of prominent businessman Sumaila Awoyinka, who was killed last month in the state.

Mr Awoyinka was assassinated at his residence located in the Idi Mango area, opposite the Caring Heart Mega School in Ore town, shortly after returning from the mosque where he had gone to observe prayers for the Ramadan fast.

The business mogul, a well-known building materials merchant, was shot at close range by his assailants—an incident that sparked widespread public concern.

In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, explained that the suspect was nabbed after a manhunt in Ore.

According to Mr Ayanlade, a locally made pistol and charms were recovered during a search of the suspect’s residence.

“The Ondo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the murder case of Late Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, a prominent businessman who was gruesomely killed in his residence in Ore on 1st March, this year.

“Following a discreet and thorough investigation, officers of the Command apprehended the prime suspect, one Ijalo ‘m’ on the 10/04/2024, an alleged resident of Osogbo. The arrest was made after a painstaking manhunt led operatives back to Ore, where a locally-made pistol believed to have been used in the murder, along with criminal charms, were recovered during a search of the suspect’s premises,” the statement read.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Wilfred Afolabi, commended the diligence of his men for the breakthrough, while also reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.

Mr Ayanlade further added that Mr Afolabi assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in ridding the state of criminal elements, with renewed focus on intelligence-driven policing.