Ondo: Police prosecute 2 kidnap kingpins identified by 9 victims

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Ondo State Police Command said it has arraigned two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate identified as Bello Denge and Umar Isah on charges bordering on kidnapping and other violent crimes after they were identified by nine of their victims.

The spokesperson of Ogun Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement on Monday that the two suspects were arraigned after they were identified by nine of their victims during an identification process conducted at the Command Headquarters.

According to the statement, the victims independently confirmed the suspects’ active involvement in a series of abductions that have plagued several communities in Iluabo, Eleyowo, Iju-Itaogbolu, and Pelebe areas of the state.

The suspects, Jimoh said, focused on vulnerable targets such as farmers working in remote areas and their activities had created fear and disrupted socio-economic activities within the communities.

Following their arrest, police arraigned the suspects on 30th April 2026 with charges bordering Kidnapping and other violent crimes and they were remanded in prison pending further trial.

The Police statement party reads “Following diligent and intelligence-driven operations, two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate have been apprehended, identified, and prosecuted. The suspects, Bello Denge (male, 30 years) and Umar Isah (male, 25 years), were positively identified by no fewer than nine victims of kidnapping during an identification process conducted at the Command Headquarters. The victims independently confirmed the suspects’ active involvement in a series of abductions that have plagued several communities.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a criminal network responsible for orchestrating and executing kidnapping operations in Iluabo, Eleyowo, Iju-Itaogbolu, and Pelebe, with a particular focus on vulnerable targets such as farmers working in remote areas. Their activities had created fear and disrupted socio-economic activities within these communities.

“Upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation and in line with established legal procedures, the suspects were formally charged to court on 30th April, 2026 with charges bordering Kidnapping and other violent crimes. They have been remanded at Nigeria Correctional Service, Olokuta. This step underscores the Command’s firm commitment not only to arresting criminal elements but also to ensuring that due process is followed and justice is served.

“The Command emphasizes that the charging of suspects to court is a critical component of justice delivery. It ensures accountability, upholds the rule of law, and provides victims with the opportunity to seek redress through the judicial system. Prosecution serves as a deterrent to others who may be inclined to engage in criminal activities, while also reinforcing public confidence in the criminal justice system.”