The Nigerian police, Ondo command 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.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) learnt that Abe, who served as the coordinator for the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization in Akoko South-West Local Government, was murdered in April 2024 in Supare during preparations for the November 16 governorship election.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, in a statement issued on Friday confirmed the arrests of the two suspects, indicating that they are also linked o multiple kidnappings and robberies across the northern senatorial district of Ondo and neighbouring states.
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.