Police: How motorcyclist aided AAUA lecturer’s abduction

The Ondo State Police Command has disclosed that the abduction of a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Omoniyi Samuel, was aided by the commercial motorcyclist who routinely conveys him to work.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed this via a statement issued on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The lecturer, who was abducted in his house along Supare-Akungba in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State on August 4, was released on Sunday, August 10.

Ayanlade said seven suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction.

He said the 45-year-old motorcyclist, Benson Alaba, used his familiarity to spy on the victim’s movements.

The police spokesman stated: “On August 4, 2025, he (Alaba) visited the victim’s residence without prior arrangement, under the pretence of requesting a handset.

“This was later confirmed to be a calculated ploy to study the victim’s activities and create an opening for the syndicate.

“Shortly after his departure, other gang members moved in and abducted the lecturer.

“Further inquiry revealed that Ogungbemi Wasiu (42 years) of Okeruwa, Ikare, provided the Itel handset used to contact the victim’s family to demand a ransom of N5 million.

3 arrested for kidnapping AAUA lecturers

“Although he claimed the handset was lost on August 2, 2025, he failed to report the loss to the police, a deliberate omission that aided the criminal enterprise.

“His role was critical in maintaining communication between the kidnappers and the victim’s relatives, thus facilitating the ransom negotiations.”

Ayanlade said investigations also linked five suspects – Audu Shaibu, 25; 24-year-old Ismaila Abdullahi; Nuru Bature, 18; Usman Baba, 20; and 23-year-old Yusuf Muhammed – all of Agopanu in the Owo area of Ondo State, to the physical execution of the kidnapping.

Ayanlade revealed that the seamless coordination between Alaba’s surveillance, Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives showed a well-organised kidnap syndicate.

The police spokesman also debunked reports that the suspects were arrested while sharing ransom money, describing the claims as unfounded.

He added: “In reality, their apprehension was the result of carefully coordinated follow-up operations based on credible intelligence, and not during any alleged ransom-sharing activity.

“The command strongly warns against the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, as they have the potential to mislead the public, undermine ongoing investigations, and erode trust in security agencies.

“False narratives not only distort the truth but can also embolden criminal elements by creating confusion and distraction from the facts.

“The public is, therefore, urged to verify information from credible and official sources before dissemination.”

The Star