Four arrested over alleged kidnap, murder in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested and arraigned four suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a resident, 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, Musa Abdullateef, Ojo Sikiru and Oseni Waheed, were apprehended following a coordinated manhunt that spanned Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the case, initially reported at the Idoani Police Division, was later transferred to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for a detailed investigation.

According to him, intelligence gathering, forensic tracking and technical analysis led operatives to the suspects’ hideouts across the two neighbouring states.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abdullateef and Ojo Sikiru at different locations in Oyo State, while Oseni Waheed was tracked and arrested in Ogun State through intelligence-led surveillance,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson added that the suspects confessed to their involvement in the conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of the victims during interrogation.

Commending the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its efforts, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said the operation demonstrated the command’s growing capacity to deploy modern investigative tools and collaborate effectively with security agencies across state boundaries in combating violent crimes.

Ohagwu reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain its offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities. He noted that the four suspects had been charged to court, while efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate still at large and ensure they face justice.