A major breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against kidnapping in Ogun State following the arrest of the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, Abdullahi Muhammadu, after police recovered a bag allegedly used for ransom payments from his residence.
Drivetvnews gathered that the 67-year-old community leader was arrested alongside his eldest son during an operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command. However, his son, Bala Muhammadu, who had previously served a prison sentence for kidnapping, reportedly escaped with two of his brothers through nearby bushes after learning that security operatives were approaching.
Police investigations into a series of kidnappings across Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa reportedly linked the incidents to Bala Muhammadu, who was recently released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for kidnapping-related offences.
According to security sources, one of the bags used to collect ransom from a kidnapping victim was traced to the family compound and later recovered from the kitchen of the Seriki Fulani.
Authorities believe Bala and two of his brothers may have fled moments before the operation after receiving a warning from someone within the community. Investigators also suspect that more members of the family could be connected to the criminal activities and have intensified efforts to apprehend all fleeing suspects.
Speaking after his arrest, Abdullahi Muhammadu denied any involvement in kidnapping activities. He stated that he was unaware of the bag found in his home and insisted that he had never participated in any criminal operation.
The traditional Fulani leader, who said he has lived in Yorubaland for over 30 years, acknowledged that Bala had previously been convicted of kidnapping. He explained that after his son’s release from prison, he took him to a hospital for treatment because he appeared weak and unwell.
Muhammadu said he believed Bala had abandoned crime and returned to legitimate activities such as farming and cattle rearing. He maintained that he would never support kidnapping and claimed he had no knowledge of any criminal involvement by his other children.
His eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested, denied any connection to the alleged crimes. He told investigators that he was working on his farm when the police operation took place and only returned after receiving a call from his father.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the arrests and praised the efforts of its anti-kidnapping operatives. The command stated that intelligence-led operations would continue across the state to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety.
Police have declared Bala Muhammadu and two other suspects wanted, while investigations and search operations remain ongoing.
