Law enforcement apprehends abduction suspect during N10m payoff transaction in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed on Thursday that it had apprehended a suspected kidnapper who was attempting to collect a N10m ransom from the relatives of a victim at Otefon village in Atiba Local Government Area.

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This development came after the victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was kidnapped from his residence in Ilowa village last week and taken to Otefon forest, where he was held until the ransom was paid.

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According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the police received credible intelligence on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at about 0100hrs, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had gathered at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim.

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The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, immediately directed operatives to move into the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the kidnappers, following the receipt of this intelligence.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that a gang of about six armed men had invaded Alhaji Bagudu's residence on May 9, 2026, abducted him, and taken him to Otefon Forest, where they demanded a N10m ransom for his release.

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In a joint operation, security operatives prioritized the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves against the suspected kidnappers, ensuring that the victim was freed unharmed before advancing on the kidnappers.

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Using robust intelligence gathering and technological tools, security operatives identified the location where the suspected kidnappers had assembled and laid an ambush for them.

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When the individual conveying the alleged ransom arrived and the victim's safe release was confirmed, operatives approached the scene, but the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.

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During the exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect, Mohammed Sanni, was apprehended.

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A Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used by the gang, was recovered during the operation, along with a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap.

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These items are currently undergoing forensic examination, while the suspect is in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role in the criminal syndicate.

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Concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice, according to the PPRO.

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The command is urging members of the public with credible information to report it to the nearest police station or security post to aid in the investigation and arrest of the fleeing suspects.