The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack along Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, which claimed the life of John Ofuduwa and saw the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola, who was later released.
Police said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence that the suspects had taken refuge in a hotel behind Ado Garage, Akure. The operation was conducted by the Command’s Tactical Teams in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun Corps).
The suspects Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15) were arrested during the operation. Officers recovered N1.4 million believed to be ransom money from the crime.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to their roles and are part of a criminal network operating around Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese. Oladeinde reportedly identified the suspects and commended the police for their swift response.
The Command has launched a comprehensive probe to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities, including possible links to other kidnappings and armed robberies in the state. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Ondo police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent crimes across the state, stressing that intelligence-led operations and collaborations with security agencies will continue to ensure public safety.
The Command urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information that could help prevent crime and assist in the arrest of offenders. Victims of criminal activities are also encouraged to come forward for debriefing.
