The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered a bag allegedly used to collect ransom from kidnapping victims in the kitchen of a prominent Fulani community leader arrested in connection with a series of abductions across the Ijebu axis of the state.
The suspect, 67-year-old Muhammadu Abdullai, the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, was arrested alongside his eldest son during an ongoing investigation into recent kidnapping incidents reported in several communities, including Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa.
Although Abdullai denied any involvement in the crimes, he admitted that one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, who is currently wanted by security operatives, had previously served a prison sentence for kidnapping.
Police sources disclosed that detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced multiple kidnapping operations in the area to Bala, who was reportedly released from prison after serving a five-year jail term for a similar offence.
According to investigators, the discovery of a bag allegedly used during a ransom payment strengthened suspicions surrounding the criminal network being tracked by the police.
A source involved in the investigation said operatives recovered the bag from Abdullai’s residence during a raid on the family compound.
The source added that Bala and two of his brothers reportedly escaped through a nearby bush after receiving information about the presence of security personnel in the area.
“Intelligence gathered during the investigation linked several kidnapping cases to the wanted suspect.
During a search of the residence, one of the bags reportedly used in delivering ransom was recovered from the father’s kitchen,” the source said.
The source further alleged that Bala was not the only family member under investigation, noting that other suspects believed to be connected to the kidnapping syndicate were still being tracked by security operatives.
Speaking with journalists, Abdullai maintained his innocence and insisted he had no knowledge of the recovered bag.
“I have lived in Yorubaland for more than three decades as a cattle rearer and farmer. I know nothing about the bag found in my house, and I have never participated in kidnapping,” he said.
The Fulani leader, however, acknowledged that Bala had previously been convicted of kidnapping and imprisoned.
He explained that after his son’s release from custody, he personally ensured he received medical treatment because of his poor health condition.
“When Bala returned from prison, he was seriously ill. I took him to the hospital and paid for his treatment. I believed he had abandoned crime and focused on farming and cattle rearing. I had no idea he was allegedly involved in criminal activities again,” Abdullai stated.
He added that he had consistently advised his children against criminal behaviour and would never support kidnapping.
Also speaking, Abdullai’s eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, who was arrested during the operation, denied any involvement in kidnapping activities.
According to him, he was working on his farm when police officers arrived at the family residence.
“I am a herder and know nothing about kidnapping. The only thing I know is that my younger brother, Bala, was imprisoned years ago. I have no knowledge of any criminal activities involving him or any other family member,” Bello said.
Commenting on the operation, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, through a statement attributed to the command’s image maker, praised the efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating across the state.
The command also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, for their support in strengthening intelligence-led policing and anti-kidnapping operations.
Police authorities assured residents that efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and eliminate kidnapping syndicates in the state would continue, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.