The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended five suspected kidnappers during a raid in a forest located in the Owo–Ifon axis of Ose Local Government Area.
According to the command, the suspects were captured while officers were conducting a manhunt for the killers of one of their colleagues, the late Superintendent of Police, James Ogunleye, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen who also stole his service rifle.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade.
He revealed that firearms were recovered from the suspects, identified as Friday Monday, Ashimi Wahab, James Odina, Ibrahim Idris, and Prince Areeh.
Ayanlade stated, “As part of the ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to apprehend the assailants responsible for the gruesome murder of late Supol James Ogunleye and recover his service rifle, operatives of the command’s Tactical Teams have intensified their operations through aggressive bush combing and intelligence-led patrols across identified flashpoints.
“The sustained operations yielded positive results in the early hours of today, October 26, 2025, at about 0300hrs, when operatives arrested five suspected kidnappers inside Amurin Forest, within the Owo–Ifon area of the state.
“During the operation, the police team recovered a single-barrelled gun loaded with a live cartridge from the suspects.
“The recovered firearm and the arrested suspects are currently in police custody for further investigation.”
Ayanlade added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had praised the officers for their professionalism and dedication.
He further directed that the investigation be broadened to uncover other accomplices and locate the missing service rifle.
“The Ondo State Police Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice and that peace and security are sustained across the state,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH earlier reported that operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, arrested no fewer than ten suspected criminals across the state for various offences.
The Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, while parading some of the suspects in Akure on Monday, said the group had been terrorising residents in recent times.
Among those arrested were Ogungbemi Adebayo, Nasiru Suleiman, Saliu Nureni, and Ahmed Oladimeji.
Adeleye further disclosed that one of the suspects, Adedayo, was apprehended for allegedly serving as an informant to criminal Fulani herdsmen involved in kidnapping activities across the state.
