by Nurat Uthman
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two men in connection with the kidnap and killing of Alaba Abe, a politician and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased, who was the Coordinator of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation in the council area was allegedly kidnapped and killed by gunmen in front of his house in Supare Akoko community in April this year.
The Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday.
She said the suspects Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar were arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command.
“On 30th On the 14th of November, 2024, men of the Special Anti Kidnapping on Stop and Search at Ikare Junction at about 15.20 pm intercepted one Hiace vehicle popularly known as Hummer Bus conveying passengers to Owo,” the statement read.
“During the search, Mohammed Sheu, 21 years demeanour changed, and on reasonable suspicion, he was singled out for brief interrogation. During interrogation, a voice note dropped as a message on his phone, when opened, it was a reply from Sheu’s friend, on the run, who confirmed to have seen his message.
“A prior voice note sent by Sheu was opened; he told his friend that he is not financially buoyant and told him to contact him if there is any kidnapping job available that can fetch them some money.
“Sheu was later arrested and taken to the station for proper investigation, where he confessed to other crimes he has committed ranging from kidnapping and robbery in various places like Kogi, Niger, Akoko, Ifon, Ipele axis and Owo.
The police spokesperson disclosed that their style of operation was locating the victim’s residence, going in there and picking them into the bush, after which ransom would be demanded.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Abubakar Umar, 24 years old, who also confessed to committing a similar crime as a gang member.
“The suspects stated further that they were responsible for the kidnap at Supare Akoko that led to the death of Alaba Abe Excel in April 2024, and in September, they all kidnapped another person in a popular Hotel in Owo,” she added.
Odunlami-Omisanya noted that further investigation on the matter is ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend other suspects in connection with the killing.
