Ondo Police Apprehend Four Suspected Kidnappers in School Proprietor Abduction Case
The Ondo State Police Command has successfully arrested four individuals suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of a school proprietor in the Ilu-Abo community, located within Akure North Local Government Area. This development marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes across the state.
Details of the Abduction Incident
The victim, Mrs Tomiola Oladehinde, a respected school proprietor, was abducted by armed assailants at the entrance of her residence on Sunday, 25th January, 2026. During the violent attack, the gunmen also shot a businessman, a woman, and her 11-year-old child, causing injuries. Fortunately, Mrs Oladehinde was released five days later, bringing some relief to the community.
Police Statement and Arrests
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, 5th February. He emphasized that the suspects were apprehended through diligent intelligence gathering and effective collaboration with a local vigilante group in the Ilu-Abo community.
The police statement highlighted the command's proactive and intelligence-driven approach to crime prevention, stating: "Ondo State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property."
Intelligence-Driven Operations and Suspect Confessions
On Thursday, 29th January, 2026, acting on credible intelligence, vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad, a male found in possession of various criminal charms. He was promptly handed over to police operatives for investigation.
During the investigation, Muhammad confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis. He disclosed that the syndicate was led by an individual known as Lanre, popularly called "Lanre Tomato", along with two others named Ojo and Pius, both males.
This arrest followed intensive intelligence-driven operations launched by the police command after the violent incident on 25th January. The attack, which occurred at Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo, involved armed assailants shooting a victim, abducting another, and injuring two individuals.
Police Response and Community Cooperation
The incident prompted an immediate operational response from the police, including reinforced tactical deployments, enhanced intelligence gathering, and an on-the-spot assessment by the Commissioner of Police. CP Adebowale Lawal commended the Ilu-Abo community for their vigilance, courage, and timely cooperation, describing their actions as a practical demonstration of effective community partnership in crime prevention.
He stated: "Their action directly contributed to unmasking the perpetrators of violent crimes along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis." The Commissioner of Police also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his visionary leadership and strategic policing reforms that enhance intelligence-sharing and operational coordination nationwide.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to recover exhibits, unravel further criminal links, and ensure diligent prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction. CP Lawal reiterated the command's commitment to community policing and urged residents to continue supporting security efforts through structured vigilante services, timely information sharing, and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
He emphasized: "Inter-agency collaboration and cooperation between the Ondo State Police Command and other security agencies, including non-conventional outfits, remain a critical pillar in the fight against kidnapping and other organized crimes across the state."
