Authorities in Ondo State have taken into custody a 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba of Akungba-Akoko, for allegedly assisting a criminal syndicate in the abduction of Mr. Omoniyi Samuel Eleyinmi, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University.
The lecturer was reportedly kidnapped on August 4, 2025, and later freed following the payment of ransom. He is currently receiving treatment at the university’s health facility.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, August 14, 2025. According to him, Alaba often transported the victim to and from work, which allowed him to monitor the lecturer’s movements and pass information to the kidnappers.
Investigators disclosed that on the day of the abduction, Alaba allegedly went to the lecturer’s home claiming he wanted to borrow a mobile phone—a tactic police described as part of the plan to facilitate the crime. Soon after, the kidnappers struck, taking the lecturer from his residence.
Police also linked 42-year-old Ogungbemi Wasiu from Okeruwa, Ikare, to the incident. Wasiu is said to have provided the phone used to contact the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of N5 million. Although he later said the phone was lost prior to the crime, officers noted he never reported the loss, which allowed the gang to use it for ransom communication.
In addition, five other suspects—Audu Shaibu, 25; Ismaila Abdullahi, 24; Nuru Bature, 18; Usman Baba, 20; and Yusuf Muhammed, 23, all residents of Agopanu, Owo—were identified as the operatives who carried out the abduction and directly communicated ransom demands.
DSP Ayanlade emphasized that the coordination among Alaba, Wasiu, and the field operatives reflects a well-organized kidnapping network. He also clarified that contrary to circulating reports, the suspects were not caught while splitting ransom money but were arrested following precise intelligence-led operations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned the public against spreading misinformation that could disrupt investigations. He assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang still at large. CP Lawal further acknowledged the guidance and support of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that it has strengthened the police’s capacity to tackle crime in the state.