Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers Linked to Ilu-Abo Attack, Recover ₦1.4m Ransom

The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspected kidnappers linked to the violent attack and abduction that occurred along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo earlier this year.

In a press release issued by the command, police confirmed that the arrests followed the kidnapping incident of January 26, 2026, which resulted in the death of John Ofuduwa and the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola. The female victim was later released by her captors.

According to the police, operatives acting on credible intelligence tracked the suspects to a hotel located behind Ado Garage in Akure. Tactical teams of the command, working in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), swiftly launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25; and Adama Usman, 15.

Police said the suspects were found in possession of ₦1.4 million, believed to be part of ransom money obtained from kidnapping operations. The cash has been recovered and taken into custody as evidence.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping and are believed to be members of a criminal syndicate operating around the Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese axis of the state.

The police further disclosed that the victim, Oladeinde Tomilola, was able to positively identify the suspects and has expressed appreciation to security operatives for their swift response and efforts that led to the arrests.

The command added that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities within the state and beyond. Authorities are also working to track down other members of the suspected criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes across the state.

He noted that the command remains committed to the policing vision of the Olatunji Disu, particularly in strengthening security collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

Residents were urged to continue supporting the police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.

Police also advised victims of criminal activities to come forward for debriefing, noting that such cooperation would greatly assist ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality in the state.