Police arrest five suspected kidnappers in Ondo

Detectives from Ondo State Police Command, have arrested five suspected kidnappers who have been terrorising Akoko axis of the state in the last few months.

Parading the five suspects at the Police headquarters in Akure, Ondo State capital, the State Commissioner of Police, Undie Adie, said the arrest of one of the suspects, Ismaila Wakili, after a gun duel with the gang led to the arrest of four others.

He listed the kidnappers to include Ismaila Wakili whose arrest led to the arrest of Abdullahi Sanni, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umoru Usman and Sheu Usman.

He disclosed that the suspects were picked in their hideouts at Aduwawa in Benin City, Edo State by detectives from the command.

He explained that the hoodlums who kidnapped one Omoghae Igbegbon, along Akunnu – Akoko/Auga – Akoko road, robbed the victim of the sum of N185,000 and later demanded N30m ransom for his release.

Adie said “on the 2nd April 2019 at about 0715hrs, one Prince Omoghae Igbegbon ‘m’ of A3 Senior Staff Quarters, Nifor, Benin City Edo State was attacked by unknown gunmen numbering six along Akunnu Akoko/Auga Akoko Road, Ondo State.

“The hoodlums robbed him of the cash sum of N185,000 and also abducted him into the bush. The abductors demanded N30m as a ransom for his release.

“On the 3rd of April, 2019, a team of Policemen with members of vigilante group trailed the kidnappers to their Den at Ibilo, Edo State. After an exchange of gunfire, the kidnappers fled to an unknown destination leaving behind one pump action, one double barrel and two single barrel guns.

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“The victim escaped to a community in Ibilo where he explained his ordeals in the hands of the kidnappers while the Police placed the community on red alert to watch out for any strange face.

“Thereafter, one Ismaila Wakili ‘m’ aged 19 years, from Niger State whom the victim later recognised as one of the kidnappers, was arrested and handed over to the Police. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and mentioned other members of his gang.”

He, however, said efforts are on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, while those already apprehended will be charged to the court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the police boss revealed that investigation is on the high gear towards nabbing all those involved in the bank robbery that happened in Idoani community on Monday.

He described the development as unfortunate and pathetic but said the command has established a synergy with banks in the state to ensure adequate security for all the banks in the state.