19-Year-Old Suspected Kidnapper Arrested With N3.6m Ransom In Ondo
Police detectives in Ondo State, have arrested seven suspected kidnappers including a 19-year Umar Isyaku, in possession of N3.5 million believed to be ransom paid by families of their victims.
Briefing newsmen in Akure, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the 19-year-old lsyaku was arrested alongside one Ridwan Salisu,45, at Ipele in connection with a case of kidnapping.
Afolabi said they were arrested March 14, 2025, through coordinated intelligence led policing.
According to him, “N3.6 million was found in possession of the duo. Salisu claimed the money was for PoS. Investigation is ongoing to confirm if the money is a proceed of ransom paid by victims.”
The Police chief added that another wanted suspected kidnapper, Abdullahi Mallam, 21, has been one apprehended by the Police and local vigilantes at Owo.
According to him, Mallam “is part of the syndicate of Ibrahim Dan Alh Umaru that was arrested earlier in the year and his name reoccurred in kidnapping related cases.
“Also, on February 22, 2025, the Police (Special Squad) through the use of technical support arrested one Komolafe Sunday a.k.a Veego, 39years. During interrogation, he confessed to be a motorcyclist who helps the kidnappers to get food for their victims while in custody and received money based on the number of people kidnapped.
okada riders supplying kidnappers food nabbed
He also serves as spy to inform them of movements along the road. The suspect led the Police to Akunu-Akoko and two suspects Umaru Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu were arrested, Umaru Abubakar confessed to be the one who guard victims in the forest when they were brought to base.”
Afolabi added that further interrogation led to the arrest of Lekan Temitope a.k.a legelege, who is also a motorcyclist that works for the kidnappers.
Also, as part of the command’s effort to rid the state of all forms of criminality, four suspected cult members, he said, were arrested in Ondo town through the Special Anti-Cultism Squad.
The commissioner said the police squad raided their hideout and arrested Awosika Babajide, 28 years (Eiye Cult), Michael Peter, 18 years (Eiye Cult), Kunle Akinwande, 28 years (AvehCult) and Akintemi Akinwunmiju, 30 years (AvehCult).
According to him “They all confessed to being members of the cult group indicated against their names.”
