The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects allegedly involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, cultism, and vandalism, across the state.
Some of the suspects were reportedly working as informants for kidnappers who have been terrorizing residents in recent times.
Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Akure on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, vowed to rid the state of criminals.
Afolabi disclosed that some of the suspects were actively providing information to bandits to facilitate abductions.
“On February 24, 2025, a combined effort by the police and local vigilantes in Owo led to the arrest of one Abdullahi Mallam Bala, 21, who was found alone in the bush without any reasonable explanation. Further investigations revealed that he is part of a kidnapping syndicate linked to a notorious suspect, Ibrahim Dan Alh Umaru, who was arrested earlier in the year,” the CP stated.
Similarly, on February 22, operatives of the police Special Squad arrested one Komolafe Sunday, alias Veego, 39, who allegedly worked as a motorcyclist for kidnappers, supplying food to victims and spying on road movements.
Sunday’s confession led the police to Akunu-Akoko, where two more suspects, Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu, were arrested.
Abubakar reportedly admitted to guarding kidnap victims in the forest. Further investigation also led to the arrest of another motorcyclist, Lekan Temitope, alias Legelege, for his alleged involvement in aiding kidnappers.
“In another operation on March 14, 2025, the police, through coordinated intelligence-led policing, arrested Ridwan Salisu, 45, and Umar Isyaku, 19, at Ipele in connection with a kidnapping case.
A sum of ₦3,614,000 was found in their possession. Salisu claimed the money was meant for a POS business, but investigations are ongoing to determine if it was ransom money,” Afolabi added.
The police boss further revealed that four suspected cultists were arrested following a raid by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Ondo town.
The suspects, identified as Awosika Babajide (Eiye Confraternity), Michael Peter (Eiye), Kunle Akinwande (Aveh), and Akintemi Akinwunmiju (Aveh), reportedly confessed to being cult members.
“To curb cult-related violence, the command launched a series of raids on hideouts in Ondo town on March 15, leading to their arrest,” Afolabi said.
Afolabi assured that all suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Credit: Punch
