The Ekiti State command of the Nigeria Police says it has identified a prime suspect and arrested six others in connection to the kidnapping and killing of a former deputy vice-chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Femi Olaofe.

The 79-year-old Olaofe, a professor of Chemistry was kidnapped in his residence on July 9, 2024, and later found dead and buried in a shallow grave close to the construction site of the airport on Wednesday after three weeks of abduction.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Sunday Abutu in a statement on Thursday revealed that a security guard, identified as Abdul Opotu employed by the late professor masterminded the abduction of the septuagenarian.

He added that the operatives of the command through discreet investigations have arrested no fewer than six suspects who participated in the criminal activities, saying others still at large would soon be nabbed by the police.

The PPRO said that one of the suspects was arrested in a hotel in Akure, Ondo state capital who confessed to the commission of the crime and provided information leading to the arrest of others.

According to him, “Two of the suspects led the Police operatives to their hideouts for the possible rescue of the victim but it was discovered that the gang in custody of the victim had already relocated with the victim to another unknown location.

“Further investigation on 30/07/2024 led to the discovery of a shallow grave in a bush located at Off Afao Road, behind the new Airport site, Ado-Ekiti, where a human being was suspectedly killed and buried.

“Consequently, the Order of Exhumation and Coroner Forms were obtained from the Magistrate Court, Ado-Ekiti, while the Ministry of Environment was contacted. On 31/07/2024, the Police led the Ministry of Environment and some Medical Practitioners to the scene where the corpse was exhumed and later Identified as the earlier kidnapped Professor Femi OlaOfe.

“The Corpse has been Deposited At Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Morgue, Ado-Ekiti, for autopsy.

“Effort is ongoing for the possible arrest of the fleeing members of the gangs including the Security guard of the Kidnapped and Murdered Professor who masterminded the crime. Meanwhile, six suspects have been arrested so far and are in custody undergoing investigation.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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