Ondo Police Arrest Four Over Liberty Avenue Kidnap Attack, Recover N1.4m Ransom
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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to the violent attack and abduction that occurred along Liberty Avenue in Ilu Abo, an incident that resulted in the death of one John Ofuduwa. The police disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of ₦1.4 million suspected to be ransom proceeds.
In a statement issued on March 6 by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the arrests followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspects were lodged in a hotel behind Ado Garage in Akure. Acting on the information, operatives of the command’s tactical teams, in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), carried out a swift operation that led to the apprehension of the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25; and Adama Usman, 15. According to the police, the suspects were found with the sum of ₦1.4 million, believed to be proceeds from kidnapping activities. The money has since been recovered and taken into police custody as evidence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and are believed to be part of a criminal syndicate operating around the Eleyowo, Ilu Abo, and Ogbese axis of the state. The victim, Oladeinde Tomilola, who was abducted during the attack but later released, reportedly identified the suspects and expressed appreciation to the police for their prompt response and efforts leading to their arrest.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across Ondo State. He noted that the command is working in line with the policing vision of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen security collaboration with relevant agencies.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities and to track down other members of the syndicate. Residents were urged to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help prevent crime and ensure the arrest of offenders.
