Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Anthony Alabi, for the alleged rape and killing of an elderly woman, identified as Veronica Anthony, in Iboropa-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage and heightened tension within the community, reportedly occurred under circumstances that led to swift intervention by law enforcement authorities.
According to the police, the breakthrough in the case followed the tracking of the deceased’s missing mobile phone, which ultimately led investigators to the suspect.
Spokesperson of the command, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that detectives acted on credible intelligence to unravel the crime.
“Following credible intelligence, detectives promptly launched an investigation, which led to the tracking of the deceased’s missing phone and the subsequent arrest of the suspect,” he said.
Abayomi further disclosed that the suspect is currently in police custody and has reportedly confessed to committing the crime.
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In the aftermath of the arrest, tension escalated in the community, with angry youths said to have mobilised in an attempt to lynch the suspect. However, security operatives intervened promptly to prevent any act of jungle justice.
The police spokesperson added that the case has been transferred to the command headquarters in Akure for further investigation and prosecution.
“The case has been transferred to Headquarters, Akure, for further discreet investigation and prosecution,” he stated.
Authorities have assured residents that justice will be pursued in accordance with the law, while urging members of the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.