Ondo Police Arrest Seven in Kidnap of AAUA Lecturer, Hunt for Others
Akure, August 14, 2025 –
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
The suspects were apprehended following a discreet, intelligence-led operation that exposed their coordinated roles in the August 4, 2025 incident.
Police identified one of the suspects, Benson Alaba, a 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist from Akungba-Akoko, as the alleged insider who monitored the victim’s movements. Alaba reportedly visited the lecturer’s home under the guise of requesting a mobile phone, a move police believe was to scope the scene for the abduction.
Another suspect, 42-year-old Ogungbemi Wasiu from Ikare, allegedly supplied the Itel handset used to demand a ₦5 million ransom from the victim’s family. Five others – Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23), all from Agopanu in Owo – were linked to the physical execution of the abduction.
Police dismissed earlier reports that the suspects were caught sharing ransom money, insisting their arrest was the result of targeted follow-up operations.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at the university’s health centre, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing accomplices.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for strategic guidance that has strengthened anti-crime operations in the state.
The Command also warned against spreading false information, stressing that disinformation undermines investigations and public trust in security agencies.
