The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday said it has arrested and prosecuted four suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Kehinde Yisa and the murder of a 50-year-old man, Bako, in Ago Baale, Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Umar Ibrahim, 23, Musa Abdullateef, 26, Ojo Sikiru, 40, and Oseni Waheed, 43, were apprehended following an extensive interstate manhunt that stretched across Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states.
According to the police, the crime occurred on March 3, 2026, and was initially reported at the Idoani Police Division before being transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for a more comprehensive investigation.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the Command disclosed that operatives deployed intelligence gathering, forensic tracking and technical analysis to unravel the criminal network behind the incident.
The statement explained that investigators embarked on a coordinated operation beyond Ondo State, leading to the identification and eventual arrest of key members of the syndicate.
“Acting on credible intelligence, forensic tracking and technical analysis, operatives embarked on a coordinated interstate operation that extended beyond Ondo State into Oyo and Ogun States, where efforts were concentrated on identifying and apprehending key members of the criminal network,” the statement said.
Police said Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abdullateef and Ojo Sikiru were arrested at different locations in Oyo State, while Oseni Waheed was tracked and apprehended in Ogun State through intelligence-led surveillance operations.
The Command further revealed that preliminary investigations yielded confessional statements from the suspects, who allegedly admitted their individual roles in the conspiracy, kidnapping and murder.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their professionalism and determination throughout the investigation.
Ohagwu said the successful operation reflected the Command’s resolve to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and other violent crimes threatening public safety across the state.
“The Command remains determined to sustain the ongoing offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and other violent crimes threatening the safety and security of residents,” the Commissioner stated.
The police further disclosed that all four suspects have been charged to court following the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who may still be at large.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have rescued eight persons, including a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and a teacher, from the den of suspected kidnappers in different parts of the state.
The victims were freed during a series of coordinated operations carried out in forest locations across Akure North Local Government Area and other affected communities, where armed kidnappers had abducted residents in recent days.
Among those rescued was Pastor Fagbonmire Durojaiye, an RCCG cleric and teacher. Others rescued include Muhammad, Moses Keke, Ijojo, Emeka Ngo, Fagbamie, Akata, and three victims identified simply as Sefanu, Kabiru and Saradin.
Speaking on the operation, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the victims were rescued without the payment of any ransom despite reports that the kidnappers had demanded N30 million for their release.
According to Adeleye, intelligence gathered by operatives led security personnel to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest, where they engaged the criminals in a gun duel.
“Following the exchange of fire, the criminals were forced to flee, enabling our operatives to secure the release of all the victims,” he said.
The Amotekun commander explained that the successful operation came barely 24 to 48 hours after the corps paraded 46 suspected kidnappers arrested across the state, noting that operatives immediately returned to the forests to sustain pressure on criminal elements.
“We made a promise that our men would return to the forests, and we did. As a result, we rescued a total of eight kidnap victims in Akure North Local Government Area and other parts of the state,” Adeleye stated.
Also speaking, the Olu of Ilado, Oba Ifedayo Ademira, applauded the Ondo State Government and the Amotekun Corps for the swift rescue of the victims. The monarch said he remained in constant contact with the corps commander throughout the ordeal and expressed gratitude that all the abducted persons were returned safely.
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