The Osun Amotekun Corps has captured a notorious murder suspect and kidnap kingpin, Ayoola Samuel Awe, popularly known as Bishop Awasere, after a fierce gun battle in the Isokun area of Ilesa, Osun State.
The arrest took place on Saturday evening, September 6, 2025, after security operatives tracked the 42-year-old suspect to his hideout. Awe, who has been on the wanted list of various security agencies in the state, was known to lead a violent gang that has terrorised communities in Osun over the past year.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Osun State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele, the operation that led to the arrest was well-planned and intelligence-driven.
“At about 5:59 p.m., our operatives tracked the suspect to his rendezvous point,” Omoyele said. “His gang attempted to resist arrest, but they were overpowered through strategic decoys.”
The security operation was not without resistance. Awe’s gang reportedly engaged Amotekun operatives in a prolonged gun duel that lasted for hours. Despite their efforts, the gang was eventually subdued.
“One of Awe’s close associates was also arrested during the operation,” Omoyele added. “Our operatives showed courage, discipline, and professionalism during the engagement.”
Items recovered from the scene include a stash of hard drugs, various charms, and other materials believed to have been used for criminal activities. These items have been taken into evidence and are expected to support the ongoing investigation.
Awe’s name has featured in multiple reports of violent crimes in Osun State, including kidnappings, killings, and drug-related offences. Security agencies had reportedly been on his trail for months, gathering intelligence and tracking his movement across different locations.
Commander Omoyele said the successful arrest was the result of weeks of coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and patient tracking by the Amotekun Corps and other security networks.
“This operation took several hours and yielded significant dividends. The principal suspect and one of his cohorts are now in custody. We are now better placed to understand the full structure of the gang,” he stated.
While Awe and one associate were captured, other members of the gang managed to escape during the gunfight. However, Omoyele assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“Operatives are on the trail of those who escaped and we are determined to bring every one of them to justice,” he said. “No criminal will be allowed to threaten the peace and security of our people.”
The Amotekun Corps has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest security post. The Corps also restated its commitment to keeping Osun State safe and free from violent criminals.
Ayoola Samuel Awe, also known by the alias Bishop Awasere, is believed to be the mastermind behind several high-profile criminal cases in Osun State. Local sources say he has operated across communities in Ilesa and surrounding areas, running a well-coordinated network involved in armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and even ritual-related killings.
His capture is considered a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the state, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where banditry and kidnapping have been on the rise.
The Osun Amotekun Corps said further updates will be provided as investigations continue. It also promised to work with other security agencies to ensure that the full network behind Awe’s gang is dismantled.
“Our message is clear,” Omoyele concluded. “There is no hiding place for criminals in Osun State. We will continue to defend our people with all the resources at our disposal.”
As of press time, the Osun State Police Command has not yet released an official statement on the arrest, but sources say both suspects are currently in custody and may soon be charged in court.
