Ondo police nab notorious kidnap kingpins, arraign suspects
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested and arraigned two suspected leaders of a kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions across parts of the state.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the arrests followed intelligence-led operations coordinated under the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
“Following diligent and intelligence-driven operations, two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate have been apprehended, identified and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The suspects, identified as Bello Denge, 30, and Umar Isah, 25, were reportedly recognised by at least nine victims during an identification parade conducted at the police headquarters.
“The victims independently confirmed the suspects’ active involvement in a series of abductions that have plagued several communities,” the police said.
Investigations, according to the command, linked the suspects to coordinated kidnapping operations in Iluabo, Eleyowo, Iju-Itaogbolu and Pelebe, where farmers and other residents were frequently targeted, creating fear and disrupting socio-economic activities.
The police added that the suspects were formally charged to court on April 30, 2026, for offences bordering on kidnapping and other violent crimes, and have been remanded at the Olokuta Custodial Centre, underscoring the command’s commitment to due process and justice.
While assuring residents of continued security operations, the police said efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, urging the public to provide credible information to support ongoing investigations.
