The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel Eleyinmi, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Omoniyi was abducted on August 4, 2025, and later released after the suspected payment of ransom. He is currently receiving treatment at the university’s health centre.
According to police spokesperson DSP Olusola Ayanlade, Alaba regularly transported the lecturer to work and allegedly exploited this relationship to track his movements. On the day of the incident, Alaba reportedly visited the victim’s home under the guise of borrowing a mobile phone — a move police believe was a ploy to set up the abduction.
Shortly after Alaba left, armed members of the gang stormed the lecturer’s residence and whisked him away.
Investigations also linked Ogungbemi Wasiu (42), from Ikare, to the operation. He allegedly provided the Itel phone used to contact the victim’s family with a ransom demand of ₦5 million. Although Wasiu claimed he had lost the phone before the crime, police noted he never reported it missing, enabling the gang to use it for ransom negotiations.
Five other suspects — Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23), all from Agopanu, Owo — were identified as the armed men who executed the kidnapping and directly contacted the victim’s family.
DSP Ayanlade stated that the collaboration between Alaba’s surveillance role, Wasiu’s communication support, and the gang’s field operatives showed a well-organised kidnapping network.
The Command dismissed earlier reports that the suspects were caught while sharing ransom money, explaining that they were arrested following coordinated intelligence-led operations.
Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal warned against spreading false information that could mislead the public and undermine investigations. He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang still at large.
The CP also praised the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his continued support and strategic guidance, which he said has greatly enhanced the Command’s ability to fight crime.
