Tag: Ondo State

The Police in Ondo State say a kidnap victim, Semiu Ogunniyi, has been rescued and four suspected kidnappers arrested across the state.

Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state made this known while briefing newsmen on the command’s recent achievements on Sunday in Akure.

Afolabi said that eight other people were arrested for armed robbery, cultism and stealing,

He also said three single rifles, one cut- to-size pistol, two Volkswagen Vento, three motorbikes, among others were recovered from the suspects.

According to the CP, the victim was kidnapped on May 14, 2025, around Iku Quarters, Ikare-Akoko.

“He was rescued by a combined tactical team of operatives from the command and hunters based in the area.

“One of the suspects involved in the abduction was arrested while the victim was rescued alive and unhurt without paying any ransom.

“The joint team strategically laid an ambush in a forest area near Supare in Akoko, believed to be a rendezvous point for the suspects, who had demanded a ransom of N14 million.

“During the interception, the suspects engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel. In the exchange, several of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.

“One of them, Babuga Muhammed ‘m’, from Igana, Iseyin, Oyo State, was apprehended.

“He is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the state Specialist Hospital. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped with injuries,” he said.

Similarly, Afolabi said that three other suspected kidnappers, who confessed to their involvement in various kidnapping cases across the state, were arrested.

According to him, 25-year-old Ibrahim Umar and 38-year-old Paul Osanyiduro were arrested at Sabo Soja, and Africa Kingdom Restaurant, both in Owo.

He explained further that 30-year-old, Abubakar Bamoh, an indigene of Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was apprehended  at one of the Fulani camps in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area.

The CP said that Bamoh was alleged to be a major logistics provider for suspected kidnapping syndicates operating across state lines.

Afolabi said that the suspect played a significant role in a kidnapping incident which occurred in Osun state, while the victim was abducted and held hostage in a forest located in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.

He, therefore, reiterated the command’s commitment to continue tackling crime, ensuring public safety, and fostering peace across communities in the state.

“I want to assure the good people of Ondo State that the police command, under my leadership, will continue to act with professionalism, impartiality, and resolve in protecting lives and property.

“We urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies. Together, we can and will build a safer Ondo State,” he said.

The Police in Ondo State have denied the knowledge of ransom negotiations between the abductors of the All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain, Mr Nelson Adepoyigi and his family members.

Adepoyigi, the Chairman of Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area, was kidnapped on Monday evening at the entrance of his farm located on Ifon-Owo road.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the police spokesperson in the state, while responding to the ransom negotiations on Thursday, said it was without the knowledge of the police.

Ayanlade also said the police were not aware of the alleged seizure of two persons who volunteered to deliver a N5 million ransom for the release of the party chieftain.

“I don’t have any update about who was kidnapped again when they wanted to pay ransom.

“And I don’t know if there’s any attempt of ransom negotiation. All I know is that our men have been combing bushes and doing all they can to rescue the victim.

“So, I did not know anything about ransom negotiations,” he said.

It was gathered that the kidnappers had seized two persons who volunteered to deliver N5 million ransom and food items for the release of the APC chieftain.

A family source who pleaded anonymity, said that the kidnappers had earlier demanded N100 million and reduced it to N5 million and food items.

He explained that the abductors were now demanding another N30 million ransom to release the APC chieftain and the seized two volunteers; Bayode Loco and Isimeri.

“Mr Bayode Loco and Isimeri took the ransom to them as agreed during negotiations but are now being held by the same kidnappers.

“They(kidnappers) have now turned around to demand a fresh N30 million ransom before they can release them,” the source disclosed.

The Chairman of Ose Local Government, Mr Kolapo Ojo, confirmed the earlier negotiations saying the ransom had been reduced to N5 million and food items.

Ojo, however, expressed concerns over the turn of events and appealed for calm while security efforts were intensified.

The Police in Ondo State on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Nelson Adepoyigi, who was kidnapped on Monday evening by gunmen.

Adepoyigi is the chairman of Ifon Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said that police had launched a manhunt to arrest the perpetrators.

“I can confirm to you that the chairman of APC ward 5 was kidnapped at the entrance of his farm along Ifon-Owo Road.

“At the receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ifon, in collaboration with hunters, VGN and Nigeria Army personnel, launched a manhunt for the suspect(s),” he said.

Ayanlade, therefore, urged anyone with information that could aid in the rescue operation to come forward.

“Meanwhile, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he said.

The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested the suspected killer of Alhaji Awoyinka Sumaila, a businessman in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Sumaila, who dealt in building materials, was killed by gunmen at his residence opposite Caring Heart Mega School, Idi mango area, Ore, on March 1.

DSP Ayanlade Olushola, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure.

Olushola said that the “prime suspect, one Ijalo,” was arrested on the April 10, in Osogbo, Osun, through a discreet investigation.

“The arrest was made after a painstaking manhunt led operatives back to Ore. A locally-made pistol believed to have been used in the murder, along with criminal charms, were recovered during a search of the suspect’s premises,” he said.

He assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in ridding Ondo State of criminals.