Police in Ondo State have arrested some commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders spying for kidnap syndicate.
Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi of Ondo State Police Command, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the headway so far made the command.
According to him, through intensified Investigation and thorough combing of the forests by joint operations by the Police, vigilance group and hunters yielded the arrest of the crime suspects.
He revealed that the motorcyclists are responsible for shopping for food and hard drugs for other members of the syndicate who keep their victims in their hideouts.
Afolabi added: “On the 24th of February, 2025, joint effort of the Police and local Vigilantes at Owo led to the arrest of one Abdullahi Mallam Bala ‘m’ age 21 years, he could not give satisfactory account of what he was doing in the bush alone without being a nomad or having any reason to be in there.
“Further investigation revealed that he is one of the suspect on the run who is part of the syndicate of Ibrahim Dan Alh Umaru who was arrested earlier in the year and his name has reoccurred in kidnapping related cases.
“On the 22nd of February, 2025, the Police(Special Squad) through the use of technical support arrested one Komolafe Sunday a.k.aVeego ‘m’ age 39years.
“During interrogation, he confessed to be a motorcyclist who helps the kidnappers to get food for their victims while in custody and received money base on the number of people kidnapped. He also serves as spy to inform them of movements along the road.
“The suspect led the Police to Akunu-Akoko and two suspects Umaru Abubakar Sanda ‘m’ and Yusuf Ahmadu were arrested, Umaru Abubakar confessed to be the one who guard victims in the forest when they were brought to base.
“Further interrogation led to the arrest of Lekan Temitope a.k.a Legelege who is also a motorcyclist that works for the kidnappers.
“In the same vein, on 14th of March, 2025, the Police through coordinated intelligence led Policing arrested the duo of Ridwan Salisu ‘m’ aged 45year and Umar Isyaku ‘m’ aged 19, at Ipele ‘m’ in connection with a case of kidnapping.
“The sum of three million,six Hundred and Fourteen Thousand Naira (₦3,614,000.00) was found in possession of the duo. Salisu claimed the money was for POS.
“Investigation is ongoing to confirm if the money is a proceed of ransom paid by victims.”