The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three individuals and the successful rescue of three captives following a reported kidnapping in the Oda community of Akure South Local Government Area.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, released a statement on Sunday in Akure explaining that the breakthrough came after the suspects were caught on a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera. According to Jimoh, the investigation was triggered by CCTV footage circulating on social media which captured the abduction of a victim in the Oda area.
“Upon receiving the footage, the command immediately activated its intelligence team, leveraging digital surveillance analysis and coordinated field operations to identify and apprehend the suspects,” Jimoh stated.
Following leads generated by the video, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched a targeted mission that resulted in the initial arrest of one suspect. Under questioning, this individual provided the information necessary to track down two accomplices who were also seen in the footage.
“During interrogation, the suspect provided useful information that led to the subsequent arrest of two other accomplices believed to have played active roles in the incident, and who were also captured on the CCTV footage.
”Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects played various roles in the commission of the alleged kidnapping.
“The arrested suspects are identified as; Mohammed Koro ‘m’ aged 27yrs, Muhammad Usman ‘m’ aged 30yrs and Musa Alhaji ‘m’ aged 23yrs,” the spokesperson said.
The operation reached its peak with the safe rescue of the three victims, who were debriefed and taken to a nearby hospital for a medical check-up. Jimoh added that the suspects have provided confessions that are currently helping the police track down remaining members of the criminal network.
The command intends to charge the suspects in court once the investigation is fully wrapped up. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, used the occasion to remind the public that the command is dedicated to fighting crime and that Ondo will not be a “safe haven for criminals.”
“The CP warned that regardless of where suspects choose to hide, they will be relentlessly tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law.
“He also reassures residents that the command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
“Lawal urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible and actionable information that can aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” the statement continued.
Jimoh concluded by advising residents to stay calm and proceed with their daily lives, promising that proactive measures are being taken to stamp out criminal activity across the state.