Police in Ondo State have arrested a suspected welder, Andy Giwa, over the possession and handling of a locally fabricated pistol in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
Giwa, a resident of Imogun Street, Uso, was arrested on Friday after the police received credible intelligence that he was allegedly working on a pistol at his workshop.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abahomi Jimoh, said operatives from the Uso Police Division immediately moved to the workshop, where they recovered the locally fabricated pistol and arrested Giwa.
According to Jimoh, the suspect allegedly told investigators during preliminary interrogation that the firearm belonged to another man whose identity was yet to be established and who is currently at large.
Police said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Jimoh added that the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the possession and manufacture of the firearm, as well as its intended use.
The police command has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The investigation will also determine the source and purpose of the firearm and establish whether other individuals were involved.
The command commended the citizen whose information led to the recovery, stressing that timely and credible intelligence was crucial to preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, activities or firearm possession to the nearest police formation.
The command also assured residents that the identities of informants would be protected.
