The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has arrested four suspected kidnappers in connection with an attack along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo that resulted in the death of one John Ofuduwa and the abduction of a woman, Oladeinde Tomilola.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the arrests followed sustained investigations into the incident, which was first reported on January 26, 2026.
Jimoh said the breakthrough was recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, after credible intelligence indicated that the suspects were lodging in a hotel located behind Ado Garage in Akure.
According to him, operatives of the police tactical teams, working in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), stormed the location and apprehended four suspects.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25; and Adama Usman, 15.
Jimoh said the sum of N1.4m, suspected to be ransom proceeds from kidnapping activities, was recovered from the suspects during the operation.
He added that preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were members of a criminal gang operating around Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo and Ogbese areas.
The police spokesman further stated that the abducted victim, who was later released, had identified the suspects, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.