The Ondo State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Semiu Ogunniyi, and apprehended four suspected kidnappers across the state as part of its intensified crackdown on criminal activities.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, during a press briefing on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Akure, where he also revealed the arrest of eight other suspects involved in crimes such as armed robbery, cultism, and theft.
The CP noted that the victim was abducted on May 14, 2025, around Iku Quarters in Ikare-Akoko. A joint tactical team, comprising police operatives and local hunters, tracked the suspects to a forest near Supare in Akoko, believed to be their hideout. The suspects had reportedly demanded a ransom of N14 million.
“The joint team laid a strategic ambush and engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel. Several of the kidnappers sustained serious gunshot injuries,” CP Afolabi stated.
One of the suspects, identified as Babuga Muhammed from Igana, Iseyin in Oyo State, was captured and is currently receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital for gunshot wounds. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
In a related development, three other suspects—Ibrahim Umar (25), Paul Osanyiduro (38), and Abubakar Bamoh (30)—were arrested at different locations including Sabo Soja and Africa Kingdom Restaurant in Owo, as well as a Fulani camp in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore LGA.
According to the police, Bamoh, who hails from Bunza LGA of Kebbi State, is suspected to be a major logistics coordinator for kidnapping gangs and played a critical role in a recent kidnapping incident in Osun State, where a victim was held in a forest within Ondo State.
CP Afolabi commended the operatives for their bravery and reiterated the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of crime:
“We urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and continue cooperating with security agencies. Together, we can build a safer Ondo State.”
