The Ondo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested two individuals in relation to the abduction and murder of Alaba Abe, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Akoko-South Local Government Area of the state.
Henzodaily learnt that Abe, who served as the coordinator for the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization in Akoko South-West Local Government, was reportedly kidnapped and subsequently killed by armed assailants at his residence in the Supare Akoko community in April of this year, coinciding with the lead-up to the APC governorship primary.
In a statement, however, issued on Friday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the arrests of the two suspects, indicating that the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command was responsible for the operation.
The suspects have been identified as Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar.
She said: “On 30th On the 14th of November, 2024, men of the Special Anti Kidnapping on Stop and Search at Ikare Junction at about 15.20 pm intercepted one Hiace vehicle popularly known as Hummer Bus conveying passengers to Owo.
“During the search, Mohammed Sheu, 21 years old, had a different demeanour, and on reasonable suspicion, he was singled out for brief interrogation. During interrogation, a voice note dropped as a message on his phone. When it opened, it was a reply from Sheu’s friend on the run, who confirmed that he had seen his message.
“A prior voice note sent by Sheu was opened; he told his friend that he is not financially buoyant and told him to contact him if there is any kidnapping job available that can fetch them some money.
“Sheu was later arrested and taken to the station for proper investigation, where he confessed to other crimes he has committed ranging from kidnapping and robbery in various places like Kogi, Niger, Akoko, Ifon, Ipele axis and Owo.”
Odunlami indicated that their modus operandi involved identifying the victim’s home, entering the premises, and abducting the individual to a secluded area, whereupon a ransom would be solicited.
The public relations officer remarked that initiatives were being developed to apprehend additional members of the group.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Abubakar Umar, 24 years old, who also confessed to committing a similar crime as a gang member.
“The suspects stated further that they were responsible for the kidnap at Supare Akoko that led to the death of Alaba Abe Excel in April 2024, and in September, they all kidnapped another person in a popular Hotel in Owo,” she added.