The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with a viral kidnapping incident in Akure, the state capital, and rescued the victims involved.
The abduction, which occurred around March 6 in the Oda area, gained widespread attention after CCTV footage showed a woman being forcibly taken away by armed men in the presence of her young child.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests followed intelligence gathered from the viral video.
“Acting on credible intelligence and leads obtained from the CCTV footage, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad carried out targeted operations that led to the arrest of one suspect,” he said.
Jimoh explained that further interrogation of the initial suspect provided information that led to the arrest of two additional accomplices linked to the crime.
“The suspect gave useful information, which resulted in the arrest of two other individuals who were also captured in the footage and played active roles in the incident,” he added.
The police identified the suspects as Mohammed Koro, 27; Muhammad Usman, 30; and Musa Alhaji, 23.
According to the command, three victims—Tosin Adesida, Adeniran Adesuyi, and Adewunmi Adewusi—were rescued during the operation and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
“The victims have been safely rescued and are currently receiving medical attention,” Jimoh confirmed.
He noted that the suspects had made confessional statements, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“The suspects have confessed to their involvement, and efforts are being intensified to track down other accomplices,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, assuring residents that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“We remain resolute in our determination to rid the state of criminal elements. Those involved in crimes will be pursued and made to face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to maintain safety across the state.
