How we busted kidnap, ritual killings, car theft gangs in Ondo - Police

Published 9 hours ago• 3 minute read

The Ondo State Police Command has revealed how it arrested several suspects, including a landlord, in connection with cases of kidnapping, ritual killings, cultism and car theft across different parts of the state.

Speaking during a press briefing held in Akure, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations, forensic tools and collaboration with local communities.

Lawal disclosed that two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Abah John Friday and Okah Andrel Eloho, were kidnapped.

Investigations led the police to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, where an iPhone belonging to one of the victims was recovered from a suspect who confessed to buying it from an accomplice.

He said the suspects, including the landlord of the victims, confessed to abducting and murdering the students after raping the female victim.

One of the bodies was recovered near Ode-Ekiti, while efforts are ongoing to locate the second.

The Commissioner described the killings as cold-blooded and senseless and assured that all those involved would face justice.

In Ile-Oluji, the police boss said the police foiled a planned attack during the Students’ Union elections at the Federal Polytechnic, as officers, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected member of the Alora Confraternity, Muhammed Taofeeq, who was allegedly planning to disrupt the election through violence. His arrest, he said, led to the uncovering of further plans by cult groups to destabilise the institution.

The Commissioner also revealed that a 17-year-old student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Orowole Laughter, who was kidnapped for ritual purposes, was rescued by the police.

She was reportedly taken to an Ogboni shrine in Ilesha, where incisions were made on her hand. A student accomplice and the shrine custodian were arrested, and a white cloth used for the ritual was recovered.

He said the victim is receiving medical attention while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects.

In another case, a car theft syndicate operating across Ondo, Lagos and Edo States was uncovered. A stolen Toyota Corolla was recovered in Akure. Lawal said ten suspects were arrested and their confessions revealed how they moved stolen vehicles across states.

He assured that the police would recover all missing vehicles linked to the gang.

In Owo, the police arrested a suspected member of the Eiye Confraternity, Owolabi Tobiloba, for allegedly leading an attack on a student inside an examination hall.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in cult activities, while efforts continue to arrest other members.

In Ore, a suspect identified as Agent Oluwatobi was arrested days after he and his gang allegedly robbed a resident at gunpoint. In another incident, two suspects were intercepted at a filling station in Ore while in possession of a stolen vehicle from Lagos. They reportedly confessed to stealing the vehicle while working as drivers for the owner.

Lawal attributed the series of arrests to intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation, and public support.

He assured that the police would not relent in dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely information to ensure the safety of all.

“As these criminals face their days in court, the message is clear: crime has no hiding place in Ondo State,” he stated.