The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 12 individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities, including serving as informants for kidnappers terrorizing the state.
The arrests come after the recent abduction of nine surveyors in Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, who regained freedom after spending a week in captivity. Several other kidnapping incidents have also been recorded in the same region.
How the Arrests Were Made
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, vowed to flush out criminals from the state. He revealed that some suspects were providing information to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.
Key Arrests
- February 24, 2025 – Abdullahi Mallam Bala (21 years old) was arrested in Owo by police and local vigilantes. He was found wandering in the forest with no valid reason for being there. Investigations linked him to a notorious kidnapping syndicate led by Ibrahim Dan Alhaji Umaru.
- February 22, 2025 – Komolafe Sunday a.k.a Veego (39 years old) was arrested by the Special Squad. He confessed to supplying food to kidnappers and acting as a spy to monitor road movements. His confession led to the arrest of Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu in Akunu-Akoko. Umaru admitted to guarding kidnap victims in the forest.
- March 14, 2025 – The police arrested Ridwan Salisu (45 years old) and Umar Isyaku (19 years old) in Ipele with N3.6 million in their possession. Salisu claimed the money was for POS transactions, but authorities are investigating if it was ransom money.
Cultism Crackdown
The police also arrested four suspected cultists:
- Awosika Babajide – Member of the Eiye Cult
- Michael Peter – Member of the Eiye Cult
- Kunle Akinwande – Member of the Aveh Cult
- Akintemi Akinwunmiju – Member of the Aveh Cult
They were apprehended during a Special Anti-Cultism Squad operation in Ondo town on March 15, 2025.
Vandalism Cases
- March 14, 2025 – Samuel Friday was caught vandalizing a transformer in Ilu-Abo, Ogbese. He admitted to stealing electrical cables since 2016 and named two buyers:
- Alhaji Abubakar a.k.a Abu Shisha
- Alhaji Sheu Sabo (both based in Akure)
- Police are working to apprehend the receivers.
- March 18, 2025 – Iyanu John was caught with two stolen solar panels in Adinlewa during a midnight patrol. He was taken into custody and will be charged in court after investigations.
The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling crime and ensuring residents’ safety.
