The Ondo State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, has replied to the viral allegation by Afenifere Youth Leader Eniola Ojajuni. He claimed that four Obas in the northern part of the state are acting in cahoots with kidnappers and that operatives of the Nigeria Police have not invited him for debriefing since his release from the kidnapper’s den.
While the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the controversial statement by the kidnap survivor, Eniola Ojajuni, the police position is that his statements cannot be relied upon due to his inconsistent accounts of the kidnapping and the alleged modus operandi of the kidnappers, which are at variance with known methods of operation.
The Statement Reads:
“The attention of the Ondo State Police Command has been drawn to a recent claim made on social media by Mr. Eniola Ojajuni, a youth leader of the Afenifere group, alleging that four traditional rulers in the Akoko area are in connivance with kidnappers.”
“He also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the failure of the police to invite him for a debrief following his release from captivity.”
“While the Command takes such allegations seriously, we find it necessary to set the record straight. Contrary to Mr. Ojajuni’s assertions, he was neither kidnapped nor released by any known abductor within Ondo State.”
“Nevertheless, the Command, in collaboration with other Police Commands, made every possible effort to facilitate his safe return, even in the face of numerous inconsistencies in his statements.”
“These inconsistencies were directly contradicted by accounts provided by his wife and brothers, all of whom were contacted during the period of his supposed abduction.”
“Following his release, Mr. Ojajuni has persistently ignored multiple invitations from the Ondo State Police Command for a formal debrief. This debrief could have significantly aided ongoing investigations, especially given the unusual nature of the claims surrounding his case.”
“To be clear, the alleged abduction of Mr. Eniola Ojajuni remains shrouded in mystery, marked by conflicting narratives and actions inconsistent with the known modus operandi of kidnapping syndicates in the state.”
“Notably, a video released by his purported abductors during his alleged captivity is at odds with the behavior of any such groups previously investigated or arrested. Intelligence gathered from past kidnapping cases and confessions by arrested suspects indicate that many of these criminals do not even own smartphones, let alone record or disseminate footage of their victims.”
“This unusual detail raises further questions and could potentially compromise legitimate efforts to trace and apprehend actual criminals.”
“We urge the public, especially individuals with credible evidence or knowledge of criminal activities, to come forward and assist the police in the pursuit of justice. The Nigeria Police Force is a professional law enforcement body committed to upholding justice without fear or favor. Anyone found culpable, regardless of social status, will face the full weight of the law.”
“However, we reiterate that law enforcement and criminal prosecution cannot be conducted on social media. While public discourse has its place, proper investigation and due process remain the only paths to justice. Online trials are often misleading, lacking the objectivity and rigor required to ensure fairness.”
“Security is a collective responsibility. We appeal to all residents of Ondo State to continue to support the police and other security agencies as we intensify our efforts to protect lives and property.”
“The Command remains resolute in its mission to maintain peace and security across the state. Residents are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear.”
