The anti-kidnapping team in Ogun State Police Command has arrested four members of a kidnap gang terrorising Abeokuta and its environs.
The suspects included Ismaila Ibrahim (21), Musa Muhammed (26), Irekura Abu (43) and Okanlawon Muhammed (26).
Thenewsbearer learnt that the suspects were arrested following the directives of the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, to the operatives to move to Soyooye and Ibara Orile areas of Abeokuta when reports of series of kidnap cases were being received by the command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the arrest, said that the anti-kidnapping team, led by SP Taiwo Opadiran, in compliance with the CP’s directive, embarked on technical and intelligence-based investigation, during which Abu was nabbed
He was later discovered to be the supplier of guns to the hoodlums, the PPRO disclosed.
“His (Abu) arrest led to the arrest of Musa Muhammed while he was coming out from their hideout to buy food for their victims and members of the gang.
“The duo, after thorough investigation, confessed to being members of a kidnap gang responsible for the abduction of one Bishop Oladimeji Joshua of Prayer City, Keesan Abeokuta, on the September 22, 2022.
“They also informed the police that they were responsible for the kidnap of one Kafayat Jelili of Ogo Titun area of Ibara Orile on September 27, 2022.
“Their confession led to the arrest of the remaining two —Ismaila Ibrahim and Okanlawon Muhammed,” SP Oyeyemi stated further.
Recovered from them were two double-barrel guns and one single barrel long gun.
The police commissioner, who commended the anti-kidnapping unit for the breakthrough, ordered that the suspects be charged to court as soon as investigation has been concluded.
He also directed a massive manhunt for other members of the gang currently on the run, with a view to bringing them to justice.
