Men of the Ondo State Police command on Thursday, arrested one of the leaders of the kidnapping kingpin who have been terrorising the Akoko community, Ismaila Wakeel.
Wakeel who was arrested on Thursday morning through the combined efforts of the men of the police command and the Myetti Allah Vigilante group in Akunnu Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on the arrest, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, explained that the residents of the area who noticed a Mercedes Benz with registration: Ben 203 PW, parked in the area for three day suspected that the owner might be a victim of the kidnappers.
He said the vigilante group called a number found in the car and it was confirmed that the owner was a victim of the kidnappers and informed the police about the development.
Joseph said the police and the vigilante combed the forest in the area while they discovered the den of the kidnappers and their victim.
He said there was exchange of gunshot between the kidnappers and the police while some of the hoodlums escaped with gunshot.
He however, said one of the kidnappers who was shot was arrested while hiding in the forest while efforts are on to arrest other member of the group
Joseph said, “you will recall that quite for some time now, we have been having some sleepless nights concerning the issue of kidnappers especially in Akoko axis.”
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“Day before yesterday around somewhere in Akunnu, we saw an abandoned vehicle. The DPO got there, became suspicious and he had to alert the headquarters.
“He suspected that the occupiers of the vehicle could have been victims of kidnapping. With the help of some Miyeti Allah members, they swung into action.”
“That was after he had gotten a piece of paper where he saw a phone number. He called the phone number asking the receiver whether he knew the owner of the vehicle.”
“After a while, the man called back and said the occupant had been kidnapped. With the help of the Meyeti Allah, they went into the bush, they saw the rendezvous of these kidnappers, where they used to wine and dine.”
He said further “after that, they swooped on them where they were. They exchanged gun fires. They were so careful that the victim was not touched. They had to run away, some of them with gunshots.”
“Luckily, our colleagues at Ibilo got hold of this guy. They were able to arrest this man who claims to be the deputy leader of the gang. They have been doing all sorts of kidnappings. We are continuing with the investigation with a view to arresting the other fleeing suspects.”
The suspect, Wakeel confirmed that he was the second in command of the group and explained that the victim was kept in their custody for three days while waiting for his family to pay ransom for his release.