Ondo Police arrest five suspected kidnappers

…recover firearm in Owo–Ifon forest

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered a firearm during a midnight raid on Amurin Forest along the Owo–Ifon axis of the state.

The operation, which took place around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, was part of the command’s intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the killing of the late Superintendent of Police (Supol) James Ogunleye and to recover his stolen service rifle.

The suspects were identified as Friday Monday, Ashimi Wahab, James Odina, Ibrahim Idris, and Prince Areeh. According to the police, one single-barrel gun loaded with a live cartridge was recovered from the suspects during the operation.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said in a statement that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover other members of the gang.

He said Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and directed that investigations be expanded to ensure all those connected to the crime are apprehended and the slain officer’s service rifle recovered.

CP Lawal reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, stressing that the Ondo Police Command would “leave no stone unturned” in bringing violent criminals to justice and maintaining peace across the state.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing police efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.