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Kidnappings in Ogun: Ransom bag found in Seriki Fulani’s kitchen, says police

IJEBU ODE, Ogun State – A bag used to deliver ransom for kidnapped victims has been recovered from the kitchen of Abdullahi Muhammadu, the 67-year-old Seriki Fulani and leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, who was arrested alongside his eldest son over recent kidnappings in the Ijebu area, police have said.

Muhammadu has pleaded innocence but admitted he was aware that one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, was involved in kidnapping. He said he believed his son had turned a new leaf after serving a five-year prison term for the same offence.

“I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment,” Muhammadu told newsmen.

“I thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping. I don’t know if any of my other sons are into kidnapping. I am not into kidnapping and I will not encourage it.”

The police said the wanted Bala and two of his brothers escaped through the bush after being tipped off that security operatives were approaching their family compound.

Bag found in kitchen

A police source told journalists that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, linked a series of kidnappings around Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa and other communities to Bala, who had only recently been released from prison.

“After painstaking and intelligence investigation, one of the bags which was used in the payment of the ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen,” the source said.

“One of the children who saw us coming into the community already hinted Bala and his other brothers and they had escaped through the bush. It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping in the area after Bala was released from prison. He spent five years in prison for kidnapping.”

‘I don’t know anything about the bag’

The Seriki Fulani, who said he has lived in Yorubaland for more than 30 years and has four wives and 30 children, insisted he had no hand in his son’s criminal activities.

“I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life,” he said.

He explained his decision to take his son to hospital after his release: “I didn’t want him to die when he came back from prison. He was looking very sick and pale. I wanted the best for him and other children. I took him to the hospital for treatment. I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”

Elder brother arrested

Bello Muhammadu, the eldest child of the Seriki Fulani, was also arrested. He told reporters he was on his farm when his father called him about the police operation.

“I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother, Bala, was arrested and taken to prison some years back. I don’t know anything about what he and any of my brothers are doing,” Bello said.

“If my father had known that Bala had returned to the crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage anything like that.”

Police commend IGP’s support

The Ogun State Police Command’s image maker, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the successful operation was due to support from the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

“The Ogun State Police Command commends IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his continued support towards tactical policing, intelligence-led operations, and the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Babaseyi said.

“The command equally appreciates the strategic leadership and operational direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, which have continued to yield remarkable security successes within Ogun State.”

He described the operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit as a demonstration of “bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication”, adding that sustained efforts are being intensified to dismantle criminal syndicates in the state.

The command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

Salisu Officially Returned as APC Candidate for Ogun Central, Receives Congratulations from Senate President Akpabio

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, OMOYAYI, FNCS, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, has been officially declared winner of the Ogun Central Senatorial Primary Election and returned as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the district.

The formal presentation of the election result was made by the Chairman of the Ogun State National Assembly Primary Elections Committee, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who handed over the result to Senator Salisu and affirmed his emergence as the party’s candidate following the primary exercise.

Describing the development as another significant milestone in the collective journey of the people of Ogun Central, Senator Salisu expressed profound appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, delegates, and members of the APC across the district for the confidence and overwhelming support shown towards him.

He noted that the victory transcends personal achievement and represents the collective trust and belief of party faithful in the shared vision for a stronger, more united, and prosperous Ogun Central.

The lawmaker stated that he accepted the mandate with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, while reaffirming his commitment to purposeful representation, inclusive development, and sustained service to the people of Ogun Central Senatorial District.

In a related development, Senator Salisu was also among prominent political leaders and stakeholders present at the declaration of the Presidential Primary Election result held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

During the event, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, personally congratulated Senator Salisu on his victory in the Senatorial Primary Election.

The congratulatory gesture by the Senate President, according to Senator Salisu, served as encouragement and further strengthened his resolve to continue providing dedicated and impactful representation to the people of Ogun Central.

The senator also shared moments with the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator Yunus Akintunde of Oyo Central, engagements he described as reflective of the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose within the party and among members of the National Assembly.

Senator Salisu reiterated his appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working diligently in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ogun Central and Nigeria at large.