By Bose
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A lecturer of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba- Akoko, AAUA, Omoniyi Samuel, was sold out to kidnappers by his regular commercial motorcyclist (Okada).
According to operatives of the state police command, the 45-year-old Okada rider routinely conveyed the victim to his workplace daily before the devil took him over to betray the trust of the lecturer and sold him to kidnappers, who danced N5 million ransom for his release.
Meanwhile, Police detectives have arrested seven suspected in connection to the heinous crime, following a discreet, intelligence-led operation, which unearthed their coordinated roles.
The commercial motorcyclist reportedly capitalized on his familiarity with the victim to monitor movements.
“On 4th August 2025, he visited the victim’s residence without prior arrangement, under the pretence of requesting a handset,” a police source said.
“This was later confirmed to be a calculated ploy to study the victim’s activities and create an opening for the syndicate.
“Shortly after his departure, other gang members moved in and abducted the lecturer.
“lt was gathered that one Wasiu, 42 years provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family to demand a ransom of ₦5,000,000.
“Although he claimed the handset was lost on 2nd August 2025, he failed to report the loss to the police, a deliberate omission that aided the criminal enterprise.
“His role was critical in maintaining communication between the kidnappers and the victim’s relatives, thus facilitating the ransom negotiations.
“The investigation also linked Audu Shaibu (25 years), Ismaila Abdullahi (24 years), Nuru Bature (18 years), Usman Baba (20 years), and Yusuf Muhammed (23 years), all of Agopanu, Owo, to the physical execution of the kidnapping.
“Eyewitness testimony confirmed that these five suspects, acting in concert with Benson Alaba and under the operational facilitation of Wasiu, participated in forcibly abducting the victim and directly demanding the ransom from the family during the incident.
“The seamless coordination between Alaba’s surveillance, Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives clearly points to a well-organised kidnapping syndicate.”
According to Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson of the state police command, the victim is currently receiving medical attention at the Adekunle Ajasin University Health Centre.
“In reality, their apprehension was the result of carefully coordinated follow-up operations based on credible intelligence, and not during any alleged ransom-sharing activity,” he added.
“While the investigation into this case continues, efforts are being intensified to arrest other fleeing accomplices and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
Ayanlade stated that the state police command is unrelenting in its commitment to checkmating the activities of all the kidnapping syndicates and protecting the lives and property of all Ondo State residents.
Meanwhile, Adebowale Lawal, the state police commissioner, has warned against criminality under the guise of the Aregbe festival in the state.
“Cultural celebrations must always be conducted within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and extant laws,” he said.
“The Command will not condone any abuse of such traditions by individuals or groups who seek to take advantage of the Aregbe (Dudu) Festival in Akure to perpetrate acts of violence, theft, vandalism, or the destruction of lives and properties.
“Such actions not only tarnish the sanctity of the festival but also threaten the peace and stability of the community.”
The commissioner, therefore, warned that “any attempt or deliberate act aimed at causing disorder, undermining public peace, or reversing the hard-earned gains recorded in the fight against crime and criminality in the State will be met with the full weight of the law.
“The Command will ensure that anyone caught molesting, harassing, or assaulting law-abiding citizens under the pretense of this festival is promptly arrested and prosecuted.
“Parents and guardians are therefore urged to prevail upon their children and wards to conduct themselves responsibly during the celebrations.
“The preservation of culture must go hand in hand with respect for law and order and fundamental rights of an individual member of the society.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while working with all stakeholders to ensure that our cherished traditions continue to thrive in an atmosphere of peace and lawful conduct.”
