The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Police spokesman said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation that uncovered the roles each suspect played in the abduction.
One of the suspects, 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist Benson Alaba, who often conveyed the victim to work, allegedly used his familiarity to monitor the lecturer’s movements. On August 4, he reportedly visited the victim’s home under the pretence of requesting a handset — a move police say was aimed at creating an opportunity for the gang to strike.
Shortly after, five other suspects — identified as Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20) and Yusuf Muhammed (23), all from Agopanu, Owo — allegedly abducted the lecturer.
Investigators also linked 42-year-old Ogungbemi Wasiu of Okeruwa, Ikare, to the crime for allegedly providing the handset used to contact the victim’s family with a ₦5 million ransom demand.
He reportedly failed to report the phone as missing two days before the kidnapping, which police say aided the crime.
The police dismissed earlier reports that the suspects were caught while sharing ransom money, stressing that they were arrested following coordinated intelligence operations.
The victim is currently receiving medical care at the university’s health centre, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and vowed to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the state.