A police investigation into a string of kidnappings across parts of Ogun State has led to the arrest of a 67-year-old community leader in Ijebu Ode after operatives reportedly discovered a bag used in a ransom payment inside his home. The discovery, according to investigators, opened a wider probe that now connects members of his family to multiple abductions in surrounding communities.
The arrested man, Abdullahi Muhammadu, known locally as the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, was taken into custody by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command. His eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, was also detained during the operation, while another son, Bala Muhammadu, described by police as a key suspect and a recently released convict, escaped alongside two others after allegedly being alerted to the arrival of security operatives.
A police source familiar with the operation said the breakthrough came unexpectedly during a search of the family residence.
“One of the bags used in paying ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen,” the source said. “One of the children who saw us coming already alerted Bala and his brothers, and they escaped through the bush.”
The recovered bag is now being treated as part of evidence linking the household to coordinated kidnapping activities that have reportedly affected several communities, including Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, and Okun Owa. Security officials say the pattern of attacks became more frequent after Bala Muhammadu was released from prison.
Police investigators allege that Bala, together with at least two associates believed to be his brothers, played leading roles in a series of abductions that triggered panic in rural and semi-urban settlements across the area. The group is still being tracked following the escape during the raid.
During questioning, Abdullahi Muhammadu denied any involvement in kidnapping activities or knowledge of the recovered ransom bag. He insisted that his household had no link to criminal operations and described himself as a long-time cattle rearer and farmer who has lived in Yorubaland for over three decades.
“I don’t know anything about the bag found in my house. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life,” he said.
The 67-year-old also disclosed that he has a large family structure, stating that he has 30 children from four wives. While acknowledging Bala’s past conviction for kidnapping, he said he had believed his son was attempting to rebuild his life after serving a prison sentence.
According to him, Bala had previously been jailed for kidnapping and spent five years in a correctional facility before his release. Abdullahi said he personally supported his son after his release, including assisting with medical care when he appeared physically unwell.
“He was looking very sick and pale. I took him to the hospital and encouraged him to stay away from crime,” he said. “I thought he had turned a new leaf because he returned to farming and cattle rearing.”
However, police say intelligence gathered over time suggested otherwise, linking Bala and his alleged associates to a renewed wave of kidnappings across the region. Investigators are also examining whether the recovered ransom bag was part of proceeds collected from earlier cases.
Bello Muhammadu, the eldest son arrested during the operation, also denied involvement in the alleged crimes. He told investigators that he was unaware of any kidnapping activities within the family and insisted that he had spent his time working on the farm.
“I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother Bala was taken to prison some years back,” Bello said. He added that their father would not have supported any criminal behaviour within the household.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the operation and described it as part of an ongoing intelligence-driven effort to dismantle kidnapping networks operating within the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said officers acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspect’s residence, where evidence was recovered and arrests were made.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more information that could help unravel the wider network.
Residents in the affected communities continue to express concern over the recent surge in kidnappings, with security agencies assuring that additional deployments and surveillance operations are underway to restore calm.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal network and the roles played by each individual linked to the case.
