The suspects, identified as Hammed Akinbami, Akinbami Ojo and Padonu Edward, are all reportedly from Oloba Village in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly invaded the residence of Ifeanyi Chukwu in the community on September 22, 2026, killing the family members before disposing of their bodies in a nearby river.
The Oyo State Police Command announced the arrests on Wednesday, saying the suspects were apprehended following intelligence received about the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command received credible information about the attack on October 2, 2026, at approximately 5pm.
He explained that detectives immediately commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, implicated the three suspects, who allegedly armed themselves with a locally made Dane gun, two cutlasses and a club before invading the family’s residence.
Suspect recounts alleged role in killings
During an interaction with journalists, Hammed Akinbami reportedly admitted that he took the other two suspects to Chukwu’s residence because the deceased had damaged his telephone.
He claimed that the group went to the house armed with weapons and that the victim’s wife gave him ₦50,000 when they arrived.
However, he allegedly admitted that he proceeded to kill the husband and one of the children after collecting the money.
According to his account, Ojo Akinbami killed the wife and another child, while Padonu Edward allegedly killed a third child.
The suspect further claimed that the bodies were subsequently thrown into a river.
When asked what punishment he believed the suspects deserved if found guilty, Hammed reportedly said they deserved to be killed.
The disturbing account has added to the concerns surrounding the circumstances of the attack, which left an entire family dead.
The allegations against the suspects remain subject to further police investigation and judicial proceedings.
Police detail circumstances of attack
In its account of the incident, the police said the suspects allegedly robbed the family of cash and several valuable items during the attack.
The stolen property reportedly included ₦200,000 in cash, a Boxer motorcycle, a Doma machine fitted with a chainsaw and a spraying machine.
Olayinka said the preliminary investigation indicated that Hammed Akinbami allegedly shot the male victim, while Akinbami Ojo and Padonu Edward allegedly attacked the wife by striking her on the head.
The police spokesperson further alleged that two of the children were tied by their hands and legs before being thrown into the nearby river.
The remaining victims were also reportedly killed, and their bodies were disposed of in the same river.
The account provided by the police indicates that the attack involved both robbery and the killing of the six family members.
Exhibits recovered as investigation continues
Following the arrests, detectives visited the scene of the incident, took photographs and recovered items believed to be connected to the crime.
The recovered exhibits included the family’s Boxer motorcycle, a locally made Dane gun, two cutlasses and a club allegedly used during the attack.
The three suspects were subsequently arrested and detained for questioning.
According to Olayinka, the suspects confessed to their alleged involvement during interrogation.
The police also disclosed that the remains of the wife had been recovered, while efforts were continuing to locate the bodies of the four other victims reportedly dumped in the river.
The recovery operation is expected to assist investigators in establishing further details about the incident and gathering evidence for possible prosecution.
The police did not provide further details about the recovery of the remaining bodies in the statement.
Commissioner orders thorough investigation
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the killings.
The directive, according to the command, is intended to ensure that all individuals found culpable are brought to justice.
Olayinka added that the suspects and the case file would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The transfer is expected to enable specialised investigators to conduct additional inquiries and prepare the case for prosecution, subject to the evidence established.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about violent crime and the safety of residents in communities within the state.
The killing of six members of one family, including four children, has also underscored the devastating consequences of violent disputes and alleged criminal attacks on households.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, recover the remaining victims’ bodies and assemble the evidence required for legal proceedings.
The three suspects are yet to be convicted by a court, and the allegations against them will be determined through the judicial process.
