Four suspects linked to deadly kidnappings caught with ransom money in Ondo hotel

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Four suspected kidnappers aged between 15 and 25 have been arrested in a hotel in Akure, the capital of Ondo State with N1.4m suspected to be ransom money recovered from them.

The spokesperson for Ondo Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh announced this in a statement on Friday.

He identified the suspects as: Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15).

Jimoh said the suspects were linked to a violent attack, which occurred along Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, on Jan. 26.

According to the statement, the abduction led to the death of one John Ofuduwa and the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola (female), who was later released.

The Ondo Police Command spokesperson said the suspects were arrested by the operatives of the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), following credible intelligence.

“The suspects were apprehended because the teams acted swiftly on information indicating that suspected kidnappers had lodged in a hotel located behind Ado Garage, Akure.

The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of four suspects: Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15).

“During the operation, the suspects were found in possession of the sum of N1.4 million, strongly suspected to be proceeds of ransom obtained from kidnapping activities.

“The money has since been recovered and taken into police custody as an exhibit.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and are members of a criminal syndicate operating around the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese axis.

“Furthermore, the victim, Oladeinde, was able to positively identify the suspects and has expressed appreciation to the command for its response and efforts leading to their arrest,” he said.

The spokesperson also said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other related criminal activities within the state and possibly beyond.

According to him, efforts are also ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network and establish whether the suspects are connected to other previously reported kidnapping incidents in the state.

Jimoh reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping, robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state.

The spokesperson assured residents that all necessary operational and intelligence-driven strategies were being deployed by the command to ensure that criminals had no haven within the state.

“This development is yet another testament to the command’s sustained efforts and dedication toward combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in Ondo State.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting and trusting the Police and other security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will assist in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.

“Conclusively, the command advises all victims of any criminal activities to avail themselves for debriefing, as this will greatly assist the Command in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality,” he said.

(NAN)