The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven individuals suspected to be involved in various kidnapping operations across the state. The arrests were announced by the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, while parading the suspects before journalists in Akure.
According to the Commissioner, the suspects include Abdullahi Mallam Bala, Umaru Abubakar Sanda, Yusuf Ahmadu, Ridwan Salisu, and Umar Isyaku. Two commercial motorcyclists, identified as Lekan Temitope also known as Legelege, and Komolafe Sunday also known as Veego, were arrested for allegedly supporting the kidnappers with food supplies and intelligence gathering.
Afolabi stated that the arrests were made possible through joint efforts between the police, local vigilantes, and hunters, adding that many other suspects are still being investigated. He commended the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing logistical and technical support to the police command in its fight against crime.
On February 24, 2025, police operatives in Owo, working with vigilantes, arrested Abdullahi Mallam Bala, aged 21, after he was found alone in the bush without any legitimate reason. Upon investigation, it was discovered that he was linked to a kidnap syndicate led by Ibrahim Dan Alh Umaru, a suspect arrested earlier in the year.
On February 22, a police special squad used technical support to apprehend Komolafe Sunday, aged 39. During interrogation, he confessed to aiding the kidnappers by purchasing food for their victims and serving as a lookout. He led police to Akunu-Akoko, where Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu were arrested. Abubakar admitted to guarding kidnap victims in the forest.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Lekan Temitope, another motorcyclist who assisted the syndicate.
On March 14, the police, through coordinated intelligence-led operations, arrested Ridwan Salisu, 45, and Umar Isyaku, 19, in Ipele. A total sum of N3,614,000 was found in their possession. Salisu claimed the money was meant for a POS business, but investigations are ongoing to determine whether it was ransom paid by kidnap victims.
The Commissioner assured that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other key members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
