Police Arrest Two, Probe Wider Syndicate Over Owo Kidnapping

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the abduction of Abubakar Abdullahim at Molege, near Owo, on August 1, 2026.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Sunday, who said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

One of the suspects, Adamu Rabiu, was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, following collaboration between the Ondo and Oyo police commands, while the second suspect, Haruna Likita, was apprehended around Ipele, near Owo.

“Preliminary investigation has established links between the two suspects and the kidnapping of Abubakar Abdullahim,” the police said.

According to the command, both suspects allegedly made statements admitting their involvement, while investigators are examining the information to establish the full circumstances of the abduction and identify other persons connected to the crime.

“The command is also intensifying efforts to uncover the wider network and operational structure of the syndicate, with a view to apprehending all those involved,” the statement added.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its diligence and courage, assuring residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals.

Ohagwu urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information on suspicious persons and activities, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.