Police arrest four suspected kidnappers of Ondo school proprietor

The Ondo State Police Command arrested four suspects over the abduction of a woman in the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state. 

The victim, a school proprietor, Mrs Tomiola Oladehinde, was abducted by armed assailants at the entrance of her house on Sunday, 25th January, 2026. 

The gunmen also shot a businessman, a woman and her 11-year-old child during the attack.

The abducted victim was, however, released five days later. 

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, February 5, said the command said the suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering and collaboration with a vigilante group in the community

“Ondo State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property which continues to underpin the Command’s proactive and intelligence-driven approach to crime prevention and enforcement,” the statement read.

“On Thursday 29th January, 2026, acting on proactive and credible intelligence, the vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo Community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad, male, found in possession of various criminal charms. The suspect was immediately handed over to Police operatives for discreet investigation.

“During investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis and actively involved in the recent violent attack and abduction recorded at that area. He further disclosed that the syndicate was led by one Lanre, popularly known as “Lanre Tomato” and two others namely Ojo, male and Pius, male.

“This arrest followed intensive intelligence-driven operations launched by the Command after the violent incident of 25th January, 2026, during which armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, shot a victim, abducted another, and caused injuries to two. 

“The incident prompted an immediate operational response, including reinforced tactical deployments, enhanced intelligence gathering, and on-the-spot assessment by the Commissioner of Police.

“These suspects are currently in Police custody, while investigation is ongoing to recover exhibits, unravel further criminal links, and ensure diligent prosecution in court of competent jurisdiction.

“CP Adebowale Lawal psc+, mnips commends the Ilu-Abo Community for their vigilance, courage, and timely cooperation with the Ondo State Police Command, describing their action as a practical demonstration of effective community partnership in crime prevention, which directly contributed to unmasking the perpetrators violent crimes along Ala/Ilu-Abo axis.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal psc(+), mnips, appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his visionary leadership and strategic policing reforms that continue to strengthen intelligence-sharing, operation coordination and efficiency across police formations nationwide.

“The CP reiterates the Command’s commitment to community policing, and urges residents to continue supporting security efforts through structured vigilante services, timely and credible information sharing, and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

“He further emphasizes that inter-agency collaboration and cooperation between the Ondo State Police Command and other security agencies including non-conventional outfits remain a critical pillar in the fight against kidnapping and other organized crimes across the state.”