Bag Used To Deliver Ransom Found In Kitchen of 67-Year-Old Seriki Fulani in Ijebu-Ode

The Ogun State Police Command has intensified investigations into kidnapping networks in Ijebu-Ode following the arrest of a 67-year-old Seriki Fulani, Abdullahi Muhammadu. Authorities said the suspect was linked after a ransom delivery bag was reportedly recovered from his kitchen during a targeted operation. Police investigators stated that the case formed part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates operating across Ogun State communities. The suspect, however, denied direct involvement, insisting that although he lives in the same compound with his children, he is not a kidnapper. He admitted knowing that one of his sons had previously been convicted for kidnapping and had served a five-year prison sentence before release. According to police sources, intelligence gathered indicated renewed criminal activities in the area shortly after the suspect’s son returned from prison. Another police source disclosed that additional suspects linked to the kidnapping operations are currently on the run. The Seriki Fulani also stated that he had taken his son for medical treatment after his release, believing he had reformed. However, police say the ongoing investigation aims to fully dismantle the network and prevent further attacks in affected communities. The police command commended its officers for professionalism and assured residents of sustained security operations across the state. It urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts. Bello Muhammadu, an elder brother to the wanted suspects, also denied any involvement, saying he was on the farm when police arrived at the family compound. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the success of the operation reflects improved intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, noting that recovered exhibits will aid prosecution while efforts continue to track fleeing suspects and disrupt criminal networks operating in the region. Police assured residents that intensified surveillance and coordinated operations will continue across affected communities in Ogun State, emphasizing that all individuals connected to kidnapping activities will be apprehended and prosecuted, while urging citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations progress toward dismantling remaining criminal hideouts in the region across the state.