The arrest of a respected community leader in Ogun State has sparked concerns over the growing kidnapping crisis in parts of the state.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 67-year-old Abdullahi Muhammadu, the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, alongside his eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, during an operation linked to ongoing investigations into several abduction cases.
The development came after a bag allegedly used to collect ransom from one of the victims was recovered from the community leader’s kitchen.
According to police sources, the arrest was made during the ongoing Ogun kidnapping investigationtargeting criminal groups believed to be behind a recent wave of abductions across Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa, and nearby communities.
Investigators reportedly linked several kidnapping incidents to Bala Muhammadu, one of Abdullahi’s sons, who had previously served a five-year prison sentence for kidnapping.
However, Bala and two of his brothers reportedly escaped before security operatives arrived at the family compound. Authorities believe they were alerted about the operation and fled through nearby bush paths.
A police source explained that investigators made significant progress after tracing one of the ransom bags to the residence.
“After painstaking and intelligence investigation, one of the bags which was used in the payment of the ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen.”
The source further claimed that Bala’s release from prison coincided with a renewed rise in kidnapping activities within the area.
“It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping in the area after Bala was released from prison. He spent five years in prison for kidnapping.”
Meanwhile, Abdullahi Muhammadu has strongly denied any involvement in kidnapping activities.
Speaking to journalists, the Fulani leader maintained that he had never participated in any criminal act.
“My name is Muhammadu Abdulai. I am a cattle rearer and also a farmer. I have been in Yorubaland for more than thirty years now.”
He added: “I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life.”
Despite denying involvement, Muhammadu admitted he knew about his son’s criminal history.
“I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison.”
The community leader explained that he believed his son had changed after serving his sentence.
“I thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping.”
Moreover, he revealed that he personally helped Bala recover after his release from prison.
“After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment.”
“I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”
Bello Muhammadu, who was arrested alongside his father, also denied any connection to the alleged crimes.
According to him, he was working on his farm when security operatives arrived.
“I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder.”
He also insisted that his father would never support criminal activities.
“If my father had known that Bala had returned to the crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage anything like that.”
Meanwhile, security agencies have continued efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Ogun State Police Command stated that the success of recent operations was made possible through intelligence gathering and community cooperation.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi praised the support received from the Inspector General of Police and the leadership of the state command.
“The successful operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, leading to the neutralisation/arrest of the notorious suspect and recovery of incriminating exhibits, underscores the bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication of the operatives.”
Furthermore, the command assured residents that more operations would be carried out to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
