The Ondo State Police Command, on Thursday, said it has arrested seven suspects over the alleged kidnap of Omoniyi Samuel, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, which was made available to journalists in Akure, said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation that exposed each suspect’s role.
They include 45-year-old Benson Alaba of Akungba-Akoko, accused of spying on the victim; and 42-year-old Ogungbemi Wasiu of Ikare, who allegedly provided the phone used to demand a five-million-naira ransom.
The statement reads: “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. The arrests followed a discreet, intelligence-driven operation by operatives of the Command, which uncovered the coordinated roles each suspect played in the crime.
“Investigation established that one of the suspects, Benson Alaba (45 years) of Akungba-Akoko, a commercial motorcyclist who routinely conveyed the victim to his workplace, used his familiarity to spy on the victim’s movements.
Read also: Police arrest 5,488 suspects, rescue 170 kidnap victims
“On 4th August 2025, he visited the victim’s residence without prior arrangement, under the pretence of requesting a handset. 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.
“Further inquiry revealed that Ogungbemi Wasiu (42 years) of Okeruwa, Ikare, provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family to demand a ransom of N5,000,000. 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 Ogungbemi Wasiu, participated in forcibly abducting the victim and directly demanding the ransom from the family during the incident.
“The seamless coordination between Benson Alaba’s surveillance, Ogungbemi Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives clearly points to a well-organised kidnapping syndicate.
Read also: Police arrest 82 suspects, foil multiple kidnapping, robbery attempts in Abuja
“The victim is currently receiving medical attention at the Adekunle Ajasin University Health Centre.
The Command wishes to categorically dismiss earlier unfounded reports suggesting that the suspects were arrested while sharing ransom money. 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.
“The Ondo State Police Command strongly warns against the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, as they have the potential to mislead the public, undermine ongoing investigations, and erode trust in security agencies. False narratives not only distort the truth but can also embolden criminal elements by creating confusion and distraction from the facts. The public is therefore urged to verify information from credible and official sources before dissemination.
“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.
“The Command remains unwavering in its determination to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and protect the lives and property of all residents in Ondo State.”
