The Ondo State Police Command has denied the knowledge of ransom negotiations between the abductors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the state, Nelson Adepoyigi, and his family members.
Adepoyigi, the Chairman of Ward 5 in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, was kidnapped on Monday evening at the entrance of his farm on Ifon-Owo Road.
However, it was gathered that the kidnappers had seized two persons who volunteered to deliver N5 million ransom and food items for the release of the APC chieftain.
A family source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers had earlier demanded N100 million and reduced it to N5 million and food items.
He said the abductors were now demanding another N30 million ransom to release the APC chieftain and the seized two volunteers, Bayode Loco and Isimeri.
The family member said: “Mr Bayode Loco and Isimeri took the ransom to them as agreed during negotiations but are now being held by the same kidnappers.
“The kidnappers have now turned around to demand a fresh N30 million ransom before they can release them.”
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The Chairman of Ose Local Government, Kolapo Ojo, confirmed the earlier negotiations, saying the ransom had been reduced to N5 million and food items.
Ojo also expressed concerns over the turn of events and appealed for calm while security efforts were intensified.
Speaking on the ransom negotiations on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said it was without the knowledge of the police.
Ayanlade added that the police were not aware of the seizure of two persons who volunteered to deliver a N5 million ransom for the release of the APC chieftain.
The police spokesman said: “I don’t have any update about who was kidnapped again when they wanted to pay ransom.
“I don’t know if there’s any attempt of ransom negotiation. All I know is that our men have been combing bushes and doing all they can to rescue the victim.
“So, I did not know anything about ransom negotiations.”
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