The Kwara State Police Command has refuted viral reports alleging that a 16-year-old girl was unlawfully detained in place of her fleeing brother, who is suspected in a generator theft case in the Arandun community, Irepodun Local Government Area.
The controversy gained traction after a video surfaced on social media showing the teenager’s mother accusing the police of using her daughter as a “proxy” arrest. The footage also captured aggrieved community members confronting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the station over the minor’s detention.
Setting the record straight, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire, issued a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to her, a case of housebreaking and theft was reported at the Arandun Police Division on April 30, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m.
She said the prime suspect, 19-year-old Timothy Aransiola—who was already on the division’s watchlist for previous incidents—fled shortly after the investigation commenced. The police insisted that due process was followed and denied claims that the suspect’s younger sister was used as leverage for his arrest.
“Subsequent intelligence revealed that the suspect was being harboured and assisted to evade arrest by one Esther Aransiola, female, 16, and sister to the suspect. She was taken into custody on Friday, May 1, 2026, for aiding and abetting a suspect with intent to obstruct lawful arrest.
“She was duly cautioned, her statement was taken in line with established procedures, and she was later released to her guardian on bond,” the statement read.
Ejire added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Timothy Aransiola, and bring him to justice. She also urged members of the public to disregard misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension.
