The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly linked to a kidnapping and murder case in Edo State, recovering a police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones during an ongoing investigation into their activities.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in Abeokuta.
According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20, were earlier apprehended in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service before being handed over to the police for further investigation.
The police said intelligence-driven inquiries conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit revealed that the suspects were wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into the abduction and murder of two hostages in the Okada area of Edo State.
The statement noted that preliminary findings indicated that the duo were members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident.
Babaseyi said, “Following extensive profiling and investigation, the suspects were identified as Gafaru Adamu, aged 25, and Muhammed Sanni, aged 20. Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects are wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping and murder case reported in the Okada area of Edo State.”
He added, “Further intelligence gathered by the Command indicates that the suspects are alleged members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident under investigation.”
The police spokesman disclosed that operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects, adding that the exhibits had been documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation.
He explained that since the alleged crimes were committed in Edo State, the suspects and recovered exhibits would be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The alleged offences under investigation occurred outside Ogun State. Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter,” the statement added.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and intelligence-gathering efforts, which led to the identification of the suspects and recovery of vital exhibits.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and preventing criminal elements from using Ogun State as a safe haven.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to prevent criminal elements from using Ogun State as a hideout or transit point for unlawful activities,” the commissioner stated.
He further assured residents that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies, proactive policing measures and inter-state collaboration to enhance security across the state.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.
