By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest and prosecution of four suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to the kidnapping of a resident, Kehinde Yisa, and the murder of another victim, Bako, in Ago Baale, Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on March 3, 2026, prompting an intensive investigation by the police.
According to the Command, the case was initially reported at the Idoani Division before being transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation. Leveraging intelligence gathering, forensic tracking, and technical analysis, operatives launched a coordinated interstate manhunt that extended into Oyo and Ogun states.
The operation culminated in the arrest of four principal suspects identified as Umar Ibrahim, 23; Musa Abdullateef, 26; Ojo Sikiru, 40; and Oseni Waheed, 43. While Ibrahim, Abdullateef and Sikiru were arrested at different locations in Oyo State, Waheed was apprehended in Ogun State following intelligence-led surveillance.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to their roles in the conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of the victims.
The Command described the arrests as a testament to its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies across state lines. It also highlighted the growing deployment of modern investigative techniques, including forensic analysis and technological tools, in tracking criminal elements.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its professionalism, resilience and dedication in pursuing the suspects across multiple states.
Ohagwu reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain its offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and other violent crimes threatening public safety in the state.
Following the conclusion of investigations, all four suspects have been charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.
The police further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who may still be at large, with a view to ensuring that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.
The Ondo State Police Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal suspects.
