By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the command made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure.

Jimoh explained that the suspects were arrested by the command’s special Anti-Kidnapping Squad following a report on May 12, at about 9.00a.m by Andrew Yohana, resident of Jerry Sawmill area in Ore.

“Yohana reported that his two sons – namely Jehu ‘M’, aged 10; and Yohana ‘M’, aged 5, were kidnapped on their way to school by unknown persons.

“Upon receipt of the report, detectives of the command swung into action. The scene was visited and intensive intelligence-driven investigations commenced.

“Through painstaking technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives were able to uncover the identities and locations of the suspects.

“Consequently, the investigation led to the arrest of Taofeek Lukman ‘M’, aged 23; and Blessing Saturday ‘M’, aged 27, around the Alaba Area of Ore,” he said.

Jimoh said during investigation, a sum of N251,000 suspected to be proceeds from the ransom was recovered from the suspects.

“Investigation further led detectives to another hideout linked to Blessing Saturday, where an unregistered lady motorcycle suspected to have been used in perpetrating the crime was also recovered.

“In the course investigation, additional suspects connected to the syndicate were identified and arrested.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and recover additional exhibits connected with the crime,” the command’s spokesperson disclosed.

He said that the suspects had made confessional statements detailing their roles in the kidnap and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

Jimoh said that the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had commended the operatives for their professionalism, reiterating the command’s commitment to combating crimes. (NAN)

Update news