Operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers, Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Funmilayo Odulami-Omisanya, who paraded the suspects on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
According to the PPRO, the duo confessed to kidnap at Supare Akoko that led to the death of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinator, Hon Alaba Abe Excel in Akoko-South Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that Excel was shot dead in his Supare Akoko home on April 27, 2024.
Tpahe suspects also confessed to other crimes including armed robbery in various places like Kogi , Niger , Akoko, Ifon , Ipele Axis and Owo.
During interrogation, Sheu revealed their style of operation, saying that they locate victims’ houses, go in, pick and whisked them into the bush after which ransom will be demanded.
“On the 14th of November, 2024, Men of the Special Anti Kidnapping on Stop and Search at Ikare Junction at about 1520hrs intercepted one Hiace vehicle popularly known as Hummer Bus conveying passengers to Owo,” the statement read.
“During the search, Mohammed Sheu ‘m’ age 21years demeanor changed and on reasonable suspicion, he was singled out for brief interrogation.
“During interrogation, a voice note dropped as a message on his phone , when opened, it was a reply from Sheu’s friend (on the run who confirmed to have seen his message.
“A prior voice note sent by Sheu was opened; he told his friend that he is not financially buoyant and told him to contact him if there is any kidnapping job available that can fetch them some money
“Sheu was later arrested and taken to the station for proper investigation where he confessed to other crimes he has committed ranging from kidnapping, robbery in various places like Kogi , Niger , Akoko, Ifon , Ipele Axis and Owo.
“He stated that their style of operation was locating victim’s residence, go in there and pick them into the bush after which ransom will be demanded.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Abubakar Umar ‘M’ age 24 years who also confessed to committing similar crime as a gang member
“The suspects stated further that they were responsible for the kidnap at Supare Akoko that led to the death of Hon Alaba Abe Excel in April , 2024 and in September they all kidnapped another persons in a popular Hotel in Owo
“Effort is ongoing to arrest other members of the group.”
