The Ondo State Police have confirmed that an Okada rider, Benson Alaba, was a mastermind behind the recent kidnapping of Samuel Omoniyi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko. Omoniyi, who works in the Faculty of Education, was abducted by a gang of criminals at his home in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
The kidnapping, which took place a few days ago, saw Omoniyi abducted while returning from work. His captors demanded a ransom of N7 million for his release. Although the victim was freed after a ransom was paid, the exact amount remains undisclosed. The police have since arrested several suspects in connection with the crime.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, Alaba, a commercial motorcyclist, played a key role in facilitating the abduction. He had been regularly transporting Omoniyi to and from work, using this familiarity to track the victim’s movements. On August 4, 2025, Alaba visited Omoniyi’s residence under the guise of asking for a phone, which was a tactic to observe the victim’s activities. Shortly after, other gang members arrived and abducted Omoniyi.
Further investigation revealed that another suspect, Ogungbemi Wasiu, provided the phone used to contact Omoniyi’s family for the ransom. Wasiu claimed the phone was lost but failed to report it to the police, aiding the kidnappers in their negotiations.
Other suspects arrested include Audu Shaibu, Ismaila Abdullahi, Nuru Bature, Usman Baba, and Yusuf Muhammed, all from Agopanu in Owo. These individuals, working with Alaba and Wasiu, played significant roles in the kidnapping operation, from abduction to ransom demand.
The police operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was based on credible intelligence and careful coordination. The investigation also confirmed that Omoniyi is now receiving medical attention at the AAUA Health Centre.
