A 67-year-old Seriki Fulani and leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, Abdullai Muhammadu, has been linked to a kidnapping investigation after police reportedly recovered a bag used in delivering ransom from his kitchen in Ogun State.
The suspect was arrested alongside one of his sons by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command during an ongoing investigation into a series of kidnappings across Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities, including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa.
According to police sources, intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, traced multiple kidnapping incidents to the suspect’s family, particularly his son, Bala Muhammadu, who had recently been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for kidnapping.
The source added that the situation escalated after Bala allegedly resumed criminal activities following his release, with his brothers also suspected to be involved. However, the suspects reportedly fled through nearby bush paths after being alerted to the arrival of security operatives.
One of the key discoveries during the investigation was a bag allegedly used in ransom delivery, which was recovered from the Seriki’s kitchen, further deepening suspicions around the household.
Despite the allegations, Abdullai Muhammadu denied involvement in any criminal activity, insisting he was unaware of the bag and had no role in his son’s actions. He maintained that he had lived in Yorubaland for over 30 years, raising children from his four wives while engaging in cattle rearing and farming.
He admitted knowledge of Bala’s past conviction and said he had tried to support him after his release by taking him for medical treatment, believing he had reformed.
“I know my son was once into 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 said, while denying any knowledge of ongoing criminal activity.
An elder son, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested, denied involvement in kidnapping, saying he was at the farm when police arrived at their residence.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the operation, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks in the state.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said the success of the operation was made possible through intelligence-led policing and the support of the Inspector General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police.
He added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure the complete dismantling of the criminal network.
The command assured residents of sustained efforts to rid the state of kidnappers while urging continued cooperation from the public through timely intelligence sharing.
