Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - The Ondo State Police Command says it has secured the remand of two suspected kidnappers, Bello Denge and Usman Isah, to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the Olokuta area of the state.
The command’s public relations officer, Abayomi Jimoh,
disclosed in a statement on Monday that the remand followed the arrest of the
suspects and multiple identifications by some kidnapped victims.
According to Jimoh, the suspects, who were part of a
kidnapping syndicate terrorising several communities in the state, were
arrested following a diligent and intelligence-led operation.
He stated, “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.”
He noted that following an investigation into the matter,
the suspects were subsequently arraigned in court and were ordered to be
remanded in custody.
Jimoh continued, “Upon the conclusion of a thorough
investigation and in line with established legal procedures, the suspects were
formally charged in court on 30th April, 2026, with charges bordering on
kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“They have been remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre,
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.”
Jimoh emphasised that prosecution of suspects remains a
critical step in ensuring justice and deterring criminal activities, adding
that efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate who are
still at large.
He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to
safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“The command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard
lives and property and will continue to intensify operations against all forms
of criminality.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing security operations,” Jimoh concluded.
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