Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested for allegedly abducting Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by police detectives while sharing the N7 million ransom paid by the victim’s family and alumni of the institution.
The victim was rescued after police tracked one of the phones used by the suspects to negotiate the ransom. A police source revealed that the arrest took place in a forest near Ago Panu, a village between Oba Akoko and Owo.
Eleyinmi was abducted a week ago at his residence along Akungba-Supare Akoko Road. His wife narrowly escaped death during a shootout by the kidnappers, who laid siege to their home. The victim had unknowingly walked into the hands of his captors after alighting from a motorcycle that brought him home. The abductors reportedly fired gunshots sporadically to scare away neighbors before fleeing with him.
Confirming the arrest, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka stated, “I can confirm to you that our operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the kidnapping of two AAUA lecturers. The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation.”
Ayanlade added that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has directed that the suspects and all recovered exhibits be transferred to the anti-kidnapping squad for a thorough investigation. However, the police spokesperson denied knowledge of reports that the suspects were arrested while sharing the ransom money.
