The Ogun State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its investigation into multiple kidnapping incidents across the Ijebu axis. A bag allegedly linked to ransom collections was recovered from the residence of 67-year-old Muhammadu Abdulahi, the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode.
Arrest and Denials
Abdulahi was arrested alongside his first son, Bello Muhammadu. Both individuals have denied any involvement in kidnapping activities. However, police investigators claim that a bag used for ransom payments from a kidnapping victim was discovered in the kitchen of the family residence.
Abdulahi admitted knowing that his son, Bala Muhammadu, had previously been convicted and imprisoned for kidnapping. He insisted that he believed Bala had abandoned criminal activities after serving his jail term.
Escape of Suspects
Sources indicate that Bala and two of his brothers escaped arrest after allegedly receiving information about the presence of security operatives in the area. They reportedly fled through nearby bushes before officers arrived at the compound.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, had been investigating a series of kidnapping cases reported in Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa, and neighbouring communities. According to intelligence gathered during the investigation, Bala Muhammadu was allegedly linked to the crimes. Police said he had recently completed a five-year prison sentence for kidnapping.
Recovery of Ransom Bag
A police source disclosed that the recovery of the alleged ransom bag was one of the key outcomes of the operation. “Following painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation, one of the bags used in the payment of ransom to secure the release of a victim was recovered in the father’s kitchen. Before officers arrived, Bala and some of his brothers were alerted and escaped through the bush,” the source said.
The source further alleged that Bala was not the only member of the family connected to criminal activities, adding that security operatives were also searching for other suspects identified as Ndaji and another brother. “There was a noticeable increase in kidnapping activities in the area after Bala was released from prison,” the source added.
Community Leader's Statement
Speaking with journalists, Abdulahi described himself as a cattle rearer and farmer who has lived in Yorubaland for more than three decades. He said he was conferred with the title of Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode by the late Awujale of Ijebuland.
“I know nothing about the bag found in my house,” he said. “I live in the same compound with my wives and children, but I have never kidnapped anyone in my life.”
The community leader acknowledged Bala’s previous conviction and imprisonment for kidnapping, stating that he personally ensured his son received medical treatment upon release due to poor health. “When Bala returned from prison, he was very sick and weak. I took him to the hospital where he spent a month receiving treatment. I believed he had changed because he later took up farming and cattle rearing. I never knew he was still involved in kidnapping,” he said.
Abdulahi stressed that he neither supports nor encourages criminality and would never condone kidnapping.
Son's Defense
Also speaking, Bello Muhammadu said, “I was on the farm when the police arrived. My father called me because he could not understand what the officers were saying. I am a herder and have never been involved in kidnapping,” he said.
Bello added that he was only aware of Bala’s previous conviction and imprisonment, insisting that neither he nor his father had knowledge of any ongoing criminal activities. “If my father had known that Bala had returned to kidnapping, he would have personally stopped him. He does not support such acts,” he said.
Police Reaction
Reacting, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, attributed the success of the operation to the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the strategic leadership of Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni. Babaseyi said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and violent crimes in the state.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across Ogun State and urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information.
Additional Arrest
In another operation, operatives of the Owode-Egba Division of the Ogun State Police Command arrested a 32-year-old security guard, Friday Ayuba, for allegedly stealing motor spare parts belonging to his employer at Ita-Asu Village via Owode-Egba.
The arrest followed a report received at the division on May 30, 2026, from the manager of the affected company. According to the report, the suspect had earlier been apprehended by operatives of the Quick Response Squad of the Ogun State Command at the Sagamu Interchange section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while allegedly attempting to move company property without authorisation.
Babaseyi confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, an employee of the company, was found in possession of several motor spare parts allegedly removed unlawfully from the company premises. Recovered items included four air controls, two air boosters, two engine seats, and two fuel pumps identified as company property.
“During the course of investigation, the suspect reportedly admitted to the theft. Detectives promptly visited the scene for further investigation and documentation, while the recovered items were secured as exhibits,” he said.
He added that the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the vigilance of the company’s management and the swift response of the Quick Response Squad and officers of the Owode-Egba Division, which led to the recovery of the alleged stolen items and the arrest of the suspect. He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting businesses, critical assets, and residents across the state through intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies.
