Nigeria: Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Ondo while splitting N7m ransom

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Three men suspected of abducting a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have been arrested by police in Ondo State while allegedly sharing the ransom paid for his release.

The victim, identified as Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, was kidnapped a week earlier at his home along the Akungba–Supare Akoko road. According to reports, his wife narrowly escaped being shot during the attack. Eleyinmi is said to have unknowingly walked into the hands of his assailants after arriving home on a motorcycle. Gunshots were fired into the air to scare away residents before the kidnappers fled with him.

Investigators tracked one of the phones used to negotiate the ransom, leading police to a forest around Ago Panu, between Oba Akoko and Owo. It was there that officers reportedly found the suspects dividing the N7 million ransom provided by the victim’s family and alumni of the university.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the arrests, adding that the suspects are undergoing interrogation and profiling. State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered their transfer to the anti-kidnapping unit for further investigation.