Police Arrest Okada Rider Who Aided Abduction of Ondo University Lecturer

The police have arrested a commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, 45, of Akungba-Akoko, for allegedly collaborating with a kidnapping syndicate in the abduction of Mr.

Omoniyi was kidnapped on August 4, 2025, and later released following the reported payment of ransom.

Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, August 14, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, said Alaba, who regularly conveyed the lecturer to work, allegedly exploited his familiarity with the victim to track his movements.

According to police investigations, Alaba visited the lecturer’s residence on the day of the incident under the pretext of borrowing a mobile phone — a move described as a ploy to facilitate the abduction. Shortly after his visit, members of the gang stormed the house and whisked Omoniyi away.

Further investigations linked one Ogungbemi Wasiu, 42, of Okeruwa, Ikare, to the crime. He allegedly provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family with a N5 million ransom demand. Though Wasiu claimed the phone had been lost before the incident, police noted that he failed to report the loss, allowing it to be used 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 those who physically carried out the abduction and directly issued ransom demands to the family.

DSP Ayanlade explained that the coordination between Alaba’s surveillance role, Wasiu’s communication support, and the actions of the field operatives indicated a well-organised syndicate.

The police dismissed earlier reports that the suspects were arrested while sharing ransom money, clarifying that they were apprehended through coordinated follow-up operations based on credible intelligence.

Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned against the spread of false information that could mislead the public and obstruct investigations. He assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

The CP also commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, which he said had strengthened the command’s fight against crime.