The Ogun State Police Command has arrested no fewer than four suspected members of a kidnap syndicate said to be terrorising Abeokuta and its environs.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspects, Ismaila Ibrahim 21 years, Musa Muhammed 26 years, Irekura Abu 43 years, and Okanlawon Muhammed 26 years were arrested following a series of kidnap cases at Soyooye and Ibara Orile area of Abeokuta.
The statement further explained that the suspects were nabbed following reported cases of kidnapping in the area and an order by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole to fish out the perpetrators.
“In compliance with the CP’s directive, the SP Taiwo Opadiran led team embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation which led them to one of the suspects Irukura Abu who was later discovered to be the supplier of guns to the hoodlums.
“His arrest led to the arrest of Musa Muhammed while he was coming out from their hideout to buy food for their victims and members of the gang.
“The duo, after thorough investigation confessed to being members of a kidnap gang who are responsible for the abduction of one Bishop Oladimeji Joshua of Prayer City, Keesan Abeokuta, on the 22nd of September 2022.
“They also informed the police that they were responsible for the kidnap of one Kafayat Jelili of Ogo titun area of Ibara Orile on the 27th of September 2022. Their confession led to the arrest of the remaining two, Ismaila Ibrahim and Okanlawon Muhammed,” the statement added.
Some of the weapons recovered from the suspects are two double-barrel guns and one single-barrel long gun.
In the wake of the arrest, the Commissioner lauded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for the feat, ordering that the suspects be charged to court once an investigation is concluded. He equally ordered a manhunt of the rest members of the gang who are on the run.
