Kidnap Victim Rescued By Police In Ondo, Four Suspects, Operational Vehicle Recovered
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The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat violent crime with the successful rescue of a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted in Owo and the arrest of four suspects linked to the incident.
According to the state’s police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, in an e-signed press statement on the command’s verified X handle on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
The statement reads, “The incident was reported on Monday, 8th June 2026, when information was received that Miss Ogechi John, aged 26, had been forcibly taken away by unidentified men at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway.
“The suspects reportedly arrived in an ash-coloured unregistered Toyota Camry before abducting the victim and fleeing towards an unknown destination. Upon receipt of the distress report, the Command immediately activated a coordinated response alongside Amotekun, local hunters and vigilantes.
“Strategic entry and exit points within Owo and adjoining communities were swiftly secured, while multiple patrol and tactical teams were deployed to comb nearby bushes and likely escape routes in an effort to locate the victim and intercept the suspects.
“The prompt and coordinated response yielded immediate results as the suspected getaway vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo. Acting on intelligence generated during the operation, police operatives arrested three suspects found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
According to Jimoh, “The suspects were identified as: • Friday Shola, 27 years; • Friday Monday, 21 years; and • Osho Joseph, 24 years. • Lawal Mariam During preliminary interrogation, one of the suspects disclosed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had earlier been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.
Most importantly, sustained operational pressure and intelligence-driven efforts by the police culminated in the successful rescue of the victim. Miss Ogechi John has since been rescued safely and is currently receiving the necessary support while investigators continue to process relevant evidence.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and identify any other persons who may have played a role in the commission of the crime and ensure the successful prosecution of all culpable persons.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has commended the professionalism, resilience and swift response of the officers involved in the operation.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the State and assured residents that criminal elements will continue to find no haven within Ondo State.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain security conscious and continue to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and aiding investigations.
The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure that all persons involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
