Okada Rider Who Usually Took Lecturer to Work Masterminded His Kidnap – Police

Police in Ondo State have arrested a commercial motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, 45, for allegedly helping a kidnapping gang abduct a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. The lecturer, Mr. Omoniyi Samuel Eleyinmi, was seized on August 4, 2025, and later freed after a ransom was reportedly paid. He is currently receiving treatment at the university’s health centre.

According to the police spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, Alaba, who regularly conveyed the lecturer to work, allegedly used his familiarity with him to monitor his movements. On the day of the incident, Alaba was said to have visited the lecturer’s home under the guise of borrowing a mobile phone, a move police believe was meant to pave the way for the kidnappers. Shortly after he left, armed men stormed the house and took the lecturer away.

Investigations also implicated Ogungbemi Wasiu, 42, who allegedly provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family with a N5 million ransom demand. Although Wasiu claimed he had lost the phone before the crime, police said he never reported it missing, enabling the gang to use it during negotiations.

Five other suspects — Audu Shaibu, 25; Ismaila Abdullahi, 24; Nuru Bature, 18; Usman Baba, 20; and Yusuf Muhammed, 23 — all from Agopanu, Owo, were named as the men who carried out the abduction and made direct ransom calls to the family.

DSP Ayanlade said the collaboration between Alaba, Wasiu, and the field operatives showed a coordinated and organised criminal network. He also dismissed earlier rumours that the suspects were caught while sharing ransom money, clarifying that they were arrested in follow-up operations based on credible intelligence.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned against spreading false information that could mislead the public or disrupt investigations. He added that efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing gang members and praised the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his support in strengthening the fight against crime in the state.