Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Four suspected kidnappers, aged between 15 and 25, have been arrested by security operatives in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, following an intelligence-driven operation that led to the recovery of ₦1.4 million believed to be ransom proceeds from criminal activity. The suspects were apprehended inside a hotel located behind Ado Garage in Akure after tactical teams acted on credible information about their location.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the operation through its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who stated that the arrest was carried out jointly by police tactical units and the Ondo State Security Network, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps. Security officials said the operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated that the suspects were lodging in the hotel while attempting to evade detection.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25; and Adama Usman, 15. Authorities stated that the group is suspected to be connected to a violent criminal incident that occurred on January 26 along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo, where an attack resulted in the death of John Ofuduwa. During the same incident, a woman identified as Oladeinde Tomilola was abducted but later released after negotiations.
Police investigators said preliminary interrogation suggested that the suspects confessed to participating in the crime and indicated that they belong to a larger criminal network operating within the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo and Ogbese areas of Ondo State. Authorities are continuing efforts to determine the full structure of the gang and identify additional members who may still be at large.
During the arrest operation, security personnel recovered ₦1.4 million from the suspects. Law enforcement officers described the money as suspected ransom proceeds collected from kidnapping operations carried out by the group. The funds have been placed in police custody and are being preserved as forensic evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The police command disclosed that intelligence information leading to the operation suggested that the suspects were using the hotel as a temporary hideout while planning further criminal activities. Tactical units moved quickly to secure the location and prevent possible escape attempts.
The inclusion of a 15-year-old suspect in the case has drawn attention to the growing concern over the recruitment of minors into violent criminal networks in parts of the country. Security experts have repeatedly warned that youth vulnerability to criminal influence remains a major factor in the expansion of kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates.
According to the police spokesperson, the command has launched a comprehensive investigation to establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery and other related crimes across the state. Detectives are also examining whether the suspects are linked to earlier reported kidnapping incidents within Ondo State.
Authorities are working to track other individuals believed to be associated with the criminal network. Intelligence teams are currently gathering information that could lead to additional arrests and the possible dismantling of the gang’s operational structure.
DSP Jimoh reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to combating kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state. He emphasised that intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies remains critical to successful crime prevention and law enforcement operations.
Residents were urged to report suspicious movements or activities to security authorities promptly. The command also encouraged victims of criminal activities to come forward and provide information that could assist ongoing investigations and help identify other members of criminal groups operating in the region.
Security analysts note that kidnapping for ransom has remained a significant security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, with criminal gangs often operating in small but coordinated units. The arrest of the suspects is therefore viewed by authorities as part of broader efforts to disrupt such networks and reduce violent crime in Ondo State.
The suspects are expected to undergo further interrogation as investigators continue to build their case files before possible prosecution. Officials said the investigation remains active and additional operational updates will be released as more information becomes available.
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