Police arrest five over Oyo kidnapping, recover N4.6 million ransom
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended five individuals in connection with the abduction of a man, identified as Timothy, who was taken from his residence in Mokorede, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, on June 26, 2025.
In a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the command confirmed the recovery of N4,618,700, believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family for his release.
According to the police, six armed men reportedly stormed Timothy’s home around 11 p.m. and abducted him to an undisclosed location.
Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Ipapo activated a joint search-and-rescue operation comprising police operatives, Amotekun Corps members, local hunters, and Fulani vigilance groups.
The operation was extended to neighbouring divisions for broader coverage.
Subsequently, on June 30, five suspects were arrested by officers from the Okaka Division in the Okaka community. The suspects were allegedly caught sharing proceeds of the ransom and were promptly taken into custody. They have been identified as: Usman Abubakar, Umar Abubakar, Abdulkadir Sulaiman, Abdullahi Naira, Isiaku Saboyaro.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the abduction and provided details on how the operation was executed. They also named a sixth accomplice known as “Wetti,” who is still at large.
The command confirmed that N4,618,700 in cash was recovered from the suspects and reiterated that efforts are underway to track and arrest the fleeing member of the gang.
The police have appealed to residents with relevant information to support the ongoing investigation by contacting the Oyo State Call Response Centre via the toll-free number 615 or reaching the Police Command Control Room through 08081768614, 09054133071, or 09061299291.
Police arrest five over Oyo kidnapping, recover N4.6 million ransom
