Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnap and killing of a member of the All Progressives Congress in Akoko-South Local Government Area of the state, Mr Alaba Abe.
It was learnt that the deceased was allegedly kidnapped and killed by some gunmen at his house in Supare Akoko community in the council area in April this year during the preparation for the APC governorship primary.
Abe, until his death, was the coordinator of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization in Akoko South-West LG.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday.
According to Odunlami, the suspects, identified as Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar, were arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command..
”On 30th On the 14th of November, 2024, men of the Special Anti Kidnapping on Stop and Search at Ikare Junction at about 15.20 pm intercepted one Hiace vehicle popularly known as Hummer Bus conveying passengers to Owo.
“During the search, Mohammed Sheu, 21 years demeanour changed, and on reasonable suspicion, he was singled out for brief interrogation.
“During interrogation, a voice note dropped as a message on his phone, when opened, it was a reply from Sheu’s friend, on the run, who confirmed to have seen his message.
“A prior voice note sent by Sheu was opened; he told his friend that he is not financially buoyant and told him to contact him if there is any kidnapping job available that can fetch them some money.
“Sheu was later arrested and taken to the station for proper investigation, where he confessed to other crimes he has committed ranging from kidnapping and robbery in various places like Kogi, Niger, Akoko, Ifon, Ipele axis and Owo,” Odunlami stated.
The PPRO revealed that their style of operation was locating the victim’s residence, going in there and picking them into the bush, after which ransom would be demanded.
She noted that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the group.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Abubakar Umar, 24 years old, who also confessed to committing a similar crime as a gang member.
“The suspects stated further that they were responsible for the kidnap at Supare Akoko that led to the death of Alaba Abe Excel in April 2024, and in September, they all kidnapped another person in a popular Hotel in Owo,” Odunlami added.
