By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Abdullahi Lawal, who had been on the run since August 2025 over his alleged involvement in a kidnap incident in Ikare-Akoko.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Lawal of Aderoju Camp in Ugbe-Akoko, was apprehended by operatives of the command after months of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations.
Police authorities said Lawal was identified as the mastermind behind the abduction of one Aremu Tijani, which occurred on August 18, 2025, at the victim’s bush farm in the Ikare-Akoko axis of Ondo State.
The command recalled that during an earlier police operation shortly after the incident, security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle that led to the neutralisation of three members of the gang, while four others were arrested.
However, the suspected gang leader reportedly escaped during the encounter, although he sustained gunshot injuries.
Following his escape, the police said the suspect was immediately placed on an intelligence watchlist while surveillance and discreet investigations were intensified to track his movements and possible hideouts.
“After months of sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by security personnel, the suspect was successfully apprehended by police operatives in Ikare-Akoko,” the statement said.
The police added that the suspect has since made useful confessional statements and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In his reaction, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state and neighbouring communities.
Lawal also commended the dedication and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation, while appreciating members of the public for providing useful information that aided the investigation.
The Commissioner urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established security channels.
