Security operatives in Ondo State have arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the recent kidnapping of two staff members of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
The arrests came just hours after the release of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, the Faculty Officer of the university’s Faculty of Education, who was abducted last Monday alongside another staff member at his residence in Supare Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, but later reduced it to N7 million. Eleyinmi was released after the payment of an undisclosed amount.
Following a manhunt, security operatives tracked the suspects to a forest between Oba Akoko and Owo, where they were arrested based on intelligence reports.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest on Monday.
“I can confirm to you that our operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the kidnapping of two AAUA lecturers. The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation,” he said.
Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to track down other members of the gang.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of residents and rising cases of abductions in parts of Ondo State.
