Following recent waves of kidnapping in Ondo State, the Nigeria Police have made a major breakthrough as the command arrested seven suspected kidnappers, and rescued one victim in the last three days at various locations across the state.
Similarly, the Ondo State Police Command apprehended a suspect, Temidayo Fadahunsi, in the Ijoka area of Akure, the state capital, over alleged mobile phone theft.
According to the police, a case of phone theft had been reported at a police station in the area, leading to Fadahunsi’s arrest in connection with the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olutokunbo Afolabi, made the disclosure while parading the suspects to newsmen in Akure.
Afolabi, disclosed that a search of the suspect’s residence uncovered no fewer than 228 Android phones along with multiple foreign SIM cards.
The CP stated, “On February 6, 2025, a case of stealing was reported to the police. Through shared intelligence, officers acted swiftly and arrested one Temidayo Fadahunsi, aged 25, at the Ijoka area of Akure.
“Upon searching his premises, we found 228 Android phones, 156 different types of batteries, and 23 foreign SIM cards, none of which he could satisfactorily account for.
“The suspect is currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.”
On kidnappers, Afolabi, who said that the arrest followed the intelligence gathering and used of technical support, explained that those arrested were aged between 20 and 40 years.
He pointed out that one of the suspects, Aminu, was arrested on Feb. 13 at Akure garage in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Commissioner noted that a 40 year old ex-convict, Ishaku Abdul, was also apprehended by the Police Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) based on a security tip off.
According to him, the ex-convict was recently released from the correctional centre, but neighbours suspected him of being complicit in the recent uprising of criminal activities in the area.
“This led to the arrest of another 25 year-old man, Abdullah Abubakar.
“In another operation that took place between Feb. 14 and 15, four other suspects were arrested by the tactical team who had been on their trail.
“Those arrested are Yusuf Saidu ‘m’ 22, Nafiu Ibrahim ‘m’ 32, Mohammed Anas ‘m’ 20, and Kabiru Mohammed ‘m’ 24.
“Also in Ipele, Owo local government, a woman was abducted by unknown gunmen in her house. The police and youths of the town mobilised and immediately trailed the footpaths of the suspects.
“Their effort yielded positive results as they were able to rescue the woman and while searching for the assailants, they recovered an AK 49 rifle at the scene of the rescue.
“Subsequently, through intelligence led policing one of the suspects, Yusuf Suleiman ‘m’ aged 27years, was arrested,” he said.
According to the CP, the ex-convict was recently released from the correctional centre, but neighbours suspected him of being complicit in the recent uprising of criminal activities in the area.
“The ex-convict was arrested at Aladura camp Oke-Oge, Osi, the area which recent kidnappings occured.
“Meanwhile, all these suspects have been on the police wanted list,” Afolabi said.
