Kwara Monarch Kidnapped, Ransom Demanded: Police Execute Daring Rescue Operation
Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, a Kwara State monarch, was abducted on August 22, 2026, with kidnappers demanding a N30 million ransom. A decisive security operation involving police, military, and vigilantes led to the successful rescue of the monarch and two other victims, with one kidnapper neutralized. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining gang members.
Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, the Onigbesi of Onigbesi Community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, was abducted from his palace on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Following his abduction, the perpetrators demanded a significant ransom of N30 million for his release. This demand was publicly disclosed four days after the incident by the monarch’s younger brother and Nollywood filmmaker, Olaide Olabanji, who shared the development on his Instagram page.
The Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a decisive security operation to rescue the monarch and two other abductees, identified as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu. The operation commenced after Mr. Abdul, a vigilante, reported to the Oro Police Station at approximately 10:00 hours that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while in the bush around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oro Police Station led a combined team of police operatives, military personnel, and vigilantes to the specified location.
Upon sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, initiating an intense exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralized, which compelled the remaining members of the gang to flee into the surrounding terrain. The security team maintained determined pursuit, ultimately leading to the successful rescue of Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo and the two other kidnapped victims.
The rescued individuals were immediately evacuated to a hospital where they received medical attention and are reported to be safe. SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the command, stated in Ilorin on Thursday that the successful operation exemplifies the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led policing, robust inter-agency collaboration, and rapid operational response in combating violent crime and safeguarding vulnerable citizens.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, lauded the gallantry, courage, and professionalism demonstrated by all police operatives and their collaborating security partners involved in the successful conclusion of the operation. The command has since intensified efforts to track, arrest, and bring to justice the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang. Further operations are being sustained across identified flashpoints as the Commissioner reiterated that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals within Kwara State, appealing to the public for continued timely and credible information to security agencies.