The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a senior official of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), with his regular commercial motorcyclist identified as the key mastermind.
Eleyinmi, a Faculty Officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was kidnapped on August 4, 2025, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of ₦7 million for his release.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the victim’s regular okada rider, 45-year-old Benson Alaba, provided vital information that led to the successful abduction. Alaba usually transported Eleyinmi from the university gate to his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area.
The other suspects arrested were identified as Wasiu Ogungbemi (42), Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20), and Yusuf Muhammed (23).
According to the police, Alaba used his familiarity with the victim to monitor his movement and coordinate with the gang, while others handled logistics, communication, and physical execution of the kidnap. Alaba also served as a link between the kidnappers and the victim’s family during ransom talks.
The arrest followed what the police described as a “discreet, intelligence-led operation” which helped uncover the role each suspect played in the organised crime.
Eleyinmi has since been rescued and is receiving treatment at the university’s health centre.
The police said investigations are still ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, assuring the public of continued efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes in the state.
