Police arrest 4 suspected kidnappers of Ondo school owner

The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday said that it had arrested four persons over the abduction of a woman in the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, a school proprietor, Mrs Tomiola Oladehinde, was abducted by unknown gunmen at the entrance of her house in the community last Sunday evening.

The incident reportedly occurred when the kidnappers stormed the area and attacked the victim’s vehicle, after which she was whisked away. She was, however, released five days later.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering and collaboration with a vigilante group in the community.

He said, “On Thursday, January 29, 2026, acting on proactive and credible intelligence, vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad, male, found in possession of various criminal charms. The suspect was immediately handed over to police operatives for discreet investigation.

“During investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis and actively involved in the recent violent attack and abduction recorded in the area. He further disclosed that the syndicate was led by one Lanre, popularly known as ‘Lanre Tomato’, and two others, namely Ojo, male, and Pius, male.

“This arrest followed intensive intelligence-driven operations launched by the command after the violent incident of January 25, 2026, during which armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, shot a victim, abducted another, and injured two others.

“The incident prompted an immediate operational response, including reinforced tactical deployments, enhanced intelligence gathering, and on-the-spot assessment by the Commissioner of Police.”

The PPRO added that the suspects were still in police custody, while investigations were ongoing to recover exhibits, unravel further criminal links, and ensure diligent prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction.