A major police operation in Ogun State has uncovered what investigators believe could be a key link to the recent surge in kidnapping cases across several communities in the state.
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a Fulani settlement along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis, leading to the arrest of a prominent community leader, 67-year-old Muhammadu Abdullahi, popularly known as the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode.
The raid followed intelligence gathered after the abduction of three residents in Atan-Ijebu, who were reportedly released only after ransom payments were made.
According to police sources, investigations into multiple kidnapping incidents across Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa and surrounding communities allegedly pointed investigators toward members of the settlement.
Authorities claim the operation targeted suspected kidnap kingpin Bala Abdullahi, a son of the community leader, who was previously convicted and jailed for kidnapping before recently regaining his freedom.
However, police said Bala and two of his brothers reportedly escaped into nearby bushes after being alerted about the approaching security operatives.
During the operation, officers allegedly recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition, a single-barrel gun, several mobile phones, N1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds and a black bag believed to have been used during ransom collection.
Investigators also claim that one of the bags reportedly linked to a ransom payment was discovered inside the kitchen of the family compound.
The development has triggered concern among residents, especially as kidnapping incidents have become increasingly common in parts of Ogun State in recent months.
Speaking after his arrest, Abdullahi denied any involvement in criminal activities and insisted he had no knowledge of the items allegedly recovered by police.
The elderly community leader, who has lived in Ogun State for more than three decades, admitted that his son Bala had previously been convicted for kidnapping but said he believed the younger man had abandoned crime after serving his prison sentence.
According to him, he even supported Bala’s rehabilitation after his release by paying for medical treatment and encouraging him to focus on farming and cattle rearing.
“I thought he had changed and turned a new leaf,” Abdullahi reportedly said while maintaining his innocence.
Bello Abdullahi, another son of the arrested community leader, also denied involvement in kidnapping activities.
He claimed he was working on a farm when police arrived and insisted that neither he nor his father participated in any criminal operation.
Meanwhile, police sources maintain that kidnapping activities increased noticeably in the area after Bala’s release from prison, adding that investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects.
Confirming the operation, Ogun State Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, said the success of the raid reflects the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The police also urged residents to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and determine the full extent of the alleged kidnapping network.
Source: Saturday PUNCH
