Politics

Ondo Police Arrest Okada Rider and Others for Kidnapping University Lecturer

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 15th, 2025.

Ondo Police Arrest Okada Rider and Others for Kidnapping University Lecturer

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, in connection with the kidnapping of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel Eleyinmi, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Mr. Eleyinmi was abducted on August 4, 2025, and regained his freedom after a suspected ransom was paid. He is currently receiving medical attention at the university’s health centre, according to Eyes of Lagos.

Trust Exploited

Police spokesperson DSP Olusola Ayanlade revealed that Alaba had a routine of transporting the lecturer to and from work. This familiarity reportedly allowed him to monitor the victim’s movements closely. On the day of the kidnapping, Alaba allegedly visited Eleyinmi under the pretense of borrowing a mobile phone — a move authorities believe was used to facilitate the abduction.

Soon after Alaba’s visit, gunmen stormed the lecturer’s residence and abducted him.

A Coordinated Criminal Network

Further investigations pointed to 42-year-old Ogungbemi Wasiu from Ikare, who allegedly supplied the Itel phone used to issue ransom demands to the lecturer’s family, amounting to ₦5 million. While Wasiu claimed the device had been stolen before the incident, he reportedly never filed a report, giving the kidnappers a free hand to use it.

Police also arrested five more individuals — Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23), all from Agopanu in Owo. These individuals are believed to be the armed gang members who carried out the kidnapping and communicated directly with the victim’s relatives during the ransom negotiations.

DSP Ayanlade described the operation as a well-organized scheme involving Alaba’s reconnaissance, Wasiu’s role in communication, and the gang’s execution of the abduction.

Setting the Record Straight

The police command refuted earlier reports suggesting the suspects were apprehended while dividing ransom money. They clarified that the arrests were made through targeted, intelligence-based operations.

Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal cautioned against the circulation of unverified information, warning that such actions could disrupt ongoing investigations. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to apprehending other members of the gang who are still on the run.

CP Lawal expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose leadership and strategic input, he said, have significantly strengthened the fight against criminal

activities in the state.