Saturday, March, 7 2026 - The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to the attack in Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of the state and recovered ransom money.
Six-armed men attacked the community on Sunday, January 25,
2026 and abducted a woman, identified as Tomiola Oladehinde at the entrance of
her residence.
The gunmen had trailed a businessman, John Ofuduwa, to the
community before abducting the woman as part of their escape plan.
Ofuduwa, an iron dealer, was shot in the head by the
assailants after he was ambushed while attempting to enter his compound.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who
confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, March 6, 2026, said the
businessman later d!ed.
According to the PPRO, the suspects Abdullahi Ismaila (20),
Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15), were found
with N1.4m suspected to be proceeds of ransom.
"Sequel to the press release of January 26, 2026,
concerning the kidnapping and violent attack that occurred along Liberty
Avenue, Ilu-Abo, which led to the d3ath of one John Ofuduwa and the abduction
of Oladeinde Tomilola (female), who was later released, the Ondo State Police
Command wishes to inform the general public of a major breakthrough in the
case,” the statement read.
"The Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale
Lawal psc(+), mnips, has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to the
incident following credible intelligence.
"Acting swiftly on information indicating that
suspected kidnappers had lodged in a hotel located behind Ado Garage, Akure,
operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with the Ondo
State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), immediately swung into action to
verify the report and apprehend the suspects.
"The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of
four suspects identified as 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 One Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,400,000),
strongly suspected to be proceeds of ransom obtained from kidnapping
activities.
"The money has since been recovered and taken into
police custody as exhibits.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that 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.
"Meanwhile, the Command has 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.
"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.
"The Ondo State Police Command reiterates its
unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping, robbery, cultism, and other
violent crimes across the state.
"The Command assures residents that all necessary
operational and intelligence-driven strategies are being deployed to ensure
that criminals have no safe 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.
"The Commissioner of Police further notes that in line
with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police Igp Olatunji Disu psc(+),
NPM on effective policing and strengthened security collaboration, the Command
continues to maintain robust synergy with the Ondo State Security Network
Agency (Amotekun Corps) and other security stakeholders to sustain the relative
peace currently enjoyed in the 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.”
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