Ondo police nab 4 suspected kidnappers linked to Ilu-Abo deadly attack … recover ransom. By Binta Haroon
Ondo police nab 4 suspected kidnappers linked to Ilu-Abo deadly attack
… recover ransom
The Ondo State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the investigation of the kidnapping and violent attack that occurred along Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, which resulted in the death of one John Ofuduwa and the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola (female), who was later released.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, dated March 6, 2026.
According to the Command, the breakthrough follows credible intelligence leading to the arrest of four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident.
Acting on information that the suspects had lodged in a hotel behind Ado Garage, Akure, operatives of the Command’s tactical teams, in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), swiftly moved to verify the report and apprehend the suspects.
The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals identified as Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15).
During the operation, officers recovered the sum of ₦1.4 million, suspected to be proceeds of ransom from kidnapping activities.
The money has been taken into police custody as evidence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and are members of a criminal network operating within the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese axis.
The victim, Oladeinde, positively identified the suspects and commended the Command for its swift intervention.
The police have commenced comprehensive investigations to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other related crimes within and beyond the state.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and establish possible connections to previous kidnapping cases.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command stated that it remains dedicated to combating kidnapping, robbery, and violent crimes in the state.
Residents were assured that operational and intelligence-driven strategies are being deployed to deny criminals any safe haven.
The Command further emphasized its continued synergy with security agencies, including the state security network, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen collaborative security and maintain peace in the state.
Members of the public were urged to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to assist in crime prevention and the apprehension of offenders.
Victims of criminal activities were encouraged to avail themselves for debriefing to aid ongoing investigations.
For inquiries, the Command provided contact details: 0906 058 8958, social media handles, and official email.
