Police Nab Four Suspected Kidnappers Over Deadly Ilu-Abo Attack ......Victim identifies suspects as police recover ₦1.4m suspected ransom

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo that resulted in the death of a man and the abduction of a woman. 

The incident reportedly led to the killing of John Ofuduwa, while Oladeinde Tomilola was abducted during the attack. She was later released.

Confirming the arrests, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence received by security operatives.

According to him, the police, acting on information that suspected kidnappers were hiding in a hotel located behind Ado Garage in Akure, launched a coordinated operation involving tactical police teams and personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps.

The joint operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20, Babanyara Japi ,25, Babuga Abubakar,25 and Adama Usman, 15.

Police said the suspects were found with ₦1.4 million during the operation, which investigators believe may be proceeds from kidnapping activities. The money has been recovered and kept as evidence.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted to taking part in the crime and are believed to belong to a criminal gang operating around the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese areas.

The abducted victim, Oladeinde Tomilola, reportedly identified the suspects and expressed appreciation to the police for their swift response which led to their arrest.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ criminal activities, including possible involvement in other cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and related offences in the state and neighbouring areas.

Police are also working to locate and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network.

The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violent crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and cult-related activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police also emphasized that the command remains committed to the security vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, particularly in strengthening intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies.

Residents were urged to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent crimes and aid the arrest of offenders.

The command also encouraged victims of criminal incidents to come forward for debriefing, noting that such information would greatly assist ongoing investigations and crime-fighting efforts.