The Ondo State Police Command has arrested some suspects and their collaborators in connection with recent kidnappings in the state.
According to the Commissioner of Police in Ondo state, Wilfred Afolabi, the feat was an outcome of efforts to rid the state of kidnappers.
Kidnappers have recently been having a field day in Ondo State, abducting several persons and demanding ransom.
However, Mr Afolabi said on Monday that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, made some significant achievements in arresting one Abdullahi Mallam Bala, 21, a kidnap suspect terrorizing the state capital recently.
He said, Abdullahi Bala, who was seen in the bush, could not give a satisfactory answer on why he was there.
After his arrest, investigation revealed he was working hand in hand with a syndicate involving certain Ibrahim Dan and Alahu Umar.
“Umar had earlier in the year been arrested by the police over his involvement in the kidnapping cases that have been recorded in the state, now in the police custody,” Mr Afolabi said.
“Also one Kolawole Sunday was arrested, 39; during investigation, he confessed to being an Okada rider providing food for the kidnappers, helping them to get food.”
The CP said Kolawole had confessed further that he acted as a spy for the kidnappers.
Upon further investigation, two suspects were arrested, namely: Umar Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Almanac.
Umar Abubakar confessed that he was always the one guiding kidnapped victims into the forest.
Further intelligence gathering, according to Mr Afolabi, resulted in the arrest of one Lekan Temitope, aka Legelege, also a motorcyclist, who offered transportation assistance to the kidnappers, as well as helping them to buys foods items and other supplies.
“On 14th March, 2025, the Police, with the assistance of Vigilante and hunters entered into the bush and apprehended one Rilwan Saliku, 45, and Usman Iyeakwu, 19, at Ipele area over the issue of kidnapping,” said Mr Afolabi.
“On Saliku, three million, five hundred thousand naira (₦3.5m) was found but claimed he was a POS operator.”
The Police boss therefore assured the people of the state that the police are ready more than ever to flush out criminal elements from the state.
He appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for providing all the necessary gadgets used by the police in tackling the activities of the criminals.
