The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Oyo State Command, has arrested five members of a kidnap group operating in Ipapo, Okaka and other communities in the Itesiwaju local government area of the state.
The command’s public relations officer, Adewale Osifeso, a chief superintendent of police, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan. The statement listed the suspects as Umar Abubakar, Abdulkadir Sulaiman, Abdullahi Naira, and Isiaku Saboyaro.
He said they were arrested while sharing almost N5 million in cash, which was part of the ransom collected.
He added that the money and other items were recovered from them.
“The suspects, on 26th June, 2025, attacked the residence of one Timothy at Mokorede Street, Ipapo and abducted him, and he was later released after payment of ransom.
“The police and other sister security officers reportedly swung into action immediately and arrested five out of the six suspected kidnappers, four days after the incident.
“The Statement stated that the suspects were caught while sharing the money collected as ransom from the victim’s family before his release”, he said.
He added that the command would ensure the fleeing suspect, identified as Wetti, was brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has alerted the residents of the potential security risks associated with the upcoming July 7th Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), commonly known as the Black Axe Cult.
On Sunday, the Command’s public relations officer, Osifeso Adewale, said that intelligence-led policing and community partnership efforts have yielded vital information suggesting rival gangs might engage in large-scale retribution and mayhem during this event.
He said, “Our intelligence suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use this occasion to execute plans that could lead to severe public disorder, including reprisals against rival cult groups.
“As part of our proactive security measures, the Police Command has conducted multiple sensitisation sessions with key stakeholders, including hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments, to emphasise the importance of refusing to make their facilities available for hosting gatherings associated with cult groups known for violent activities”.
According to him, the safety of all residents remains “Our highest priority.
