Ondo Police Arrest 2 Suspected Kidnappers

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of one Abubakar Abdullahim at Molege, near Owo, Ondo State.

The suspects, identified as Adamu Rabiu and Haruna Likita, were arrested in separate operations by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad following sustained intelligence gathering.

According to the Police, Rabiu was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, after operatives, acting on credible intelligence, collaborated with the Oyo State Police Command to track him down.

In a related operation, Likita was arrested around Ipele, near Owo, Ondo State, over his alleged connection with the same kidnapping incident.

The Command said preliminary investigation had established links between the two suspects and the abduction of Abdullahim, who was kidnapped at Molege on August 1.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects had made statements during interrogation admitting their alleged involvement in the crime.

“Preliminary investigation has established links between the two suspects and the kidnapping of Abubakar Abdullahim. Their statements, alongside other emerging intelligence, are being further investigated to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other persons who may be connected to the crime,” the statement said.

The Command said it was intensifying efforts to uncover the wider network and operational structure of the syndicate, with a view to apprehending all those involved and dismantling kidnapping networks operating within and beyond the state.

Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its diligence, courage and commitment to protecting residents, assuring the public that the Command would sustain intelligence-driven operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals.

Ohagwu urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.