Police arrest suspected kidnapper with N3.6m cash in Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers, Ridwan Salisu, ,45, and Umar Isyaku, 19, with N3.6m cash.

The duo was arrested after intense intelligence gathering. Both suspects however claimed the money was for their PoS business.

Kidnapping for ransom has been on the rise in Ondo State especially in Akure North local government area.

A farmer, Olanrewaju Oyeleye, who paid N25m as ransom, said the kidnappers have a vast network providing supplies for them inside the forest.

Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, who briefed Journalists on the successes recorded in tackling kidnappers, said Salisu claimed the money found on the for POS operation.

Afolabi said two motorcyclists who acted as spies for Ondo kidnappers as well as provided logistics for them have been arrested.

The motorcyclists were identified as LekanTemitope a.k.a legelege and Komolafe Sunday popularly known as Veego.

Komolafe reportedly confessed to have helped kidnappers get food for their victims while in custody and received money based on the number of people kidnapped. 

He led operatives to Akunu-Akoko where two suspects Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu were arrested.

Police said Abubakar confessed to be the one who guard victims in the forest when they were brought to base.

Also, a notorious vandal, Samuel Friday, who has been jailed three times for vandalising electrical installations, has heen re-arrested.

Police said Samuel was caught vandalising transformer along Ilu-Abo, Ogbese area of Ondo State.

According to Afolabi: “He confessed to have been vandalising electrical transformer since 2016 and that he has been jailed three times before he was finally released in 2018. 

“He confessed he do sell stolen electrical cables removed from uncompleted/abandoned buildings to one Alhaji Abubakar A.k.a Abu Shisha and one Alhaji SheuSabo residing in Akure, Ondo State. 

"Efforts are ongoing to arrest the receivers.”

Afolabi said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved technical equipment for Ondo State to tackle kidnappings and other crimes.

He said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also promised to provide necessary equipment and logistics to win the war against kidnappers.