The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected criminals in various raids across Owo, Akoko, Ondo, and Akure, including alleged kidnappers, cult members, armed robbers, fraudsters, vehicle thieves, and burglars.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, who made the disclosure in Akure over the weekend, said the coordinated operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of arms, stolen property, and livestock, and the neutralization of one suspected kidnapper.
According to Lawal, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit rescued three abducted victims following a gun duel with the kidnappers. “One of the suspects was gunned down, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” he said.
Recovered exhibits included two locally made pistols, expended cartridges, mobile phones, and personal belongings of the rescued victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
The commissioner also reported the arrest of Ayodeji Oluwapelumi Samuel for alleged fraud, impersonation, and theft by conversion. His arrest followed a petition by a retired senior police officer whose WhatsApp account was hacked and used to swindle friends of over ₦1 million.
Lawal explained that detectives secured a Bankers’ Order on the PalmPay account linked to the suspect, which helped trace and arrest him in Akoko-Edo, Edo State. Preliminary findings indicated that Samuel worked with other accomplices, who are still being hunted by the police.
In another operation, two suspected cultists and armed robbers were apprehended in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area, after credible intelligence tipped off security operatives.
“A pump-action gun was recovered from the suspects, who later confessed to being members of a notorious cult group called the Malians Club,” Lawal added.
