PRESS RELEASE
Ondo Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers and Recover Firearm in Owo–Ifon Axis
As part of the ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to apprehend the assailants responsible for the gruesome murder of late Supol James Ogunleye and recover his service rifle, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams have intensified their operations through aggressive bush combing and intelligence-led patrols across identified flashpoints.
The sustained operations yielded positive results in the early hours of today, 26th October, 2025, at about 0300hrs, when operatives arrested five suspected kidnappers inside Amurin Forest, within the Owo–Ifon axis of the State. The suspects have been identified as Friday Monday, Ashimi Wahab, James Odina, Ibrahim Idris, and Prince Areeh.
During the operation, the police team recovered one single-barrel gun loaded with a live cartridge from the suspects. The recovered firearm and the arrested suspects are currently in police custody for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and resilience. He further directed that the investigation be expanded to uncover other members of the gang, as well as to trace and recover the service rifle of the slain officer.
CP Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, emphasizing that the Ondo State Police Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice and that peace and security are sustained across the State.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
26th October, 2025
