Police Arrest 4 Suspected Kidnappers Linked To Ondo Killing

BY DAMILOLA ORIGBEMISUYI, Akure

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a deadly attack in Ilu-Abo, in the Akure North local government area of the state, which resulted in the killing of a man and the abduction of a woman.

The command spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this to journalists in Akure on Friday.

Jimoh noted that the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out by police operatives in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps.

According to the police spokesperson, the arrests followed credible intelligence received by the command.

The attack, which occurred on January 26, 2026, led to the death of one John Ofuduwa, while a woman identified as Oladeinde Tomilola was abducted by the gunmen. Tomilola was later released by her abductors after ransom was reportedly paid.

The arrested suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25 and Adama Usman, 15.

‎The command said security operatives received information that some suspected kidnappers had lodged in a hotel in Akure.

‎Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the police tactical teams, alongside Amotekun personnel, stormed the location where the suspects were arrested.

‎‎‎Jimoh revealed that during the operation, the police recovered the sum of N1.4 million from the suspects, believed to be proceeds from kidnapping activities.

‎He said the money has since been taken into police custody as exhibits pending the conclusion of investigations.

‎The abducted victim was also said to have positively identified the suspects and commended the security agencies for their swift response that led to the arrests.

‎”Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and are members of a criminal syndicate operating around the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese axis.”

The Police Command is under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal.