Police in Ondo state have arrested a 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a lecturer of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba- Akoko, Omoniyi Samuel, who transported the victim to his workplace regularly.
Spokesperson of the command, Olayinka Olayande, said the arrests followed a discreet and intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the command, which uncovered the coordinated roles each suspect played in the crime.
According to Police that “On 4th August 2025, he visited the victim’s residence without prior arrangement, under the pretence of requesting a handset.
” This was later confirmed to be a calculated ploy to study the victim’s activities and create an opening for the syndicate.
“Shortly after his departure, other gang members moved in and abducted the lecturer.
“One Wasiu, 42 years provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family to demand a ransom of ₦5,000,000.
“Although he claimed the handset was lost on 2nd August 2025, he failed to report the loss to the police, a deliberate omission that aided the criminal enterprise.
“His role was critical in maintaining communication between the kidnappers and the victim’s relatives, thus facilitating the ransom negotiations.
“The investigation also linked Audu Shaibu (25 years), Ismaila Abdullahi (24 years), Nuru Bature (18 years), Usman Baba (20 years), and Yusuf Muhammed (23 years), all of Agopanu, Owo, to the physical execution of the kidnapping.
Eyewitness testimony confirmed that these five suspects, acting in concert with Benson Alaba and under the operational facilitation of Wasiu, participated in forcibly abducting the victim and directly demanding the ransom from the family during the incident.
“The seamless coordination between Alaba’s surveillance, Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives clearly points to a well-organised kidnapping syndicate.
The State police command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka said that “the victim is currently receiving medical attention at the Adekunle Ajasin University Health Centre.
“In reality, their apprehension was the result of carefully coordinated follow-up operations based on credible intelligence, and not during any alleged ransom-sharing activity.
“While the investigation into this case continues, efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing accomplices and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
He said “We remain unwavering in its determination to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and protect the lives and property of all residents in Ondo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and guidance, and warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining security operations.
The Ondo Police boss warned against the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, urging the public to verify information from credible and official sources before dissemination.
“The Command remains determined to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and protect the lives and property of all residents in Ondo State,” he said.
