Ogun Police Arrest Seriki Fulani, Son Over Alleged Links to Kidnapping Syndicate

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 67-year-old Fulani community leader in Ijebu Ode, Abdullai Muhammadu, popularly known as the Seriki Fulani, and one of his sons over alleged links to a kidnapping network operating in parts of the state.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation into a series of abductions reported in Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities, including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, and Okun Owa.

According to police sources, investigators from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced several kidnapping incidents to members of the suspect’s family, particularly his son, Bala Muhammadu, who reportedly served a five-year prison sentence for kidnapping before regaining his freedom.

Police said the investigation intensified after reports suggested that Bala had allegedly resumed criminal activities following his release from prison.

During a search of the family residence, operatives reportedly recovered a bag believed to have been used for the delivery of ransom payments. The bag was allegedly found inside the kitchen of the community leader, a discovery that investigators say has become a key aspect of the ongoing probe.

Security sources disclosed that some suspects linked to the alleged kidnapping ring escaped through nearby bush paths after receiving information about the movement of security operatives to the area.

Speaking during preliminary investigations, Abdullai Muhammadu denied any involvement in kidnapping activities and distanced himself from the recovered item.

The community leader maintained that he had no knowledge of the bag allegedly found in his residence and insisted that he was unaware of any criminal activities involving his children.

He acknowledged that his son, Bala, had previously been convicted for kidnapping but said he believed the younger Muhammadu had turned a new leaf after serving his prison term.

“I know my son was once involved in kidnapping and was jailed. I took him to the hospital when he came out because he was sick and I believed he had changed,” he was quoted as saying.

Another son, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested during the operation, similarly denied involvement in any criminal activities, claiming he was working on the family farm when police officers arrived.

Confirming the operation, the Ogun State Police Command said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks across the state.

Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.

He noted that investigations were still ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend other suspects currently on the run.

The police assured residents that the command remains committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging members of the public to continue providing useful information that could aid security operations.

The latest development comes amid renewed efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and banditry across parts of the country, where criminal groups have increasingly targeted communities, travellers, and businesses for ransom.