The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the 67-year-old Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, Abdullahi Muhammadu, following the recovery of a ransom delivery bag in his kitchen during an operation targeting a wave of kidnappings across the Ijebu area.
The suspect, who doubles as the leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, was taken into custody alongside his eldest child, while his son Bala Muhammadu, a convicted kidnapper recently released from prison, and two other brothers evaded arrest by escaping through nearby bush paths after being tipped off about the presence of security operatives.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, had been investigating a series of abduction incidents around Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa.
Intelligence gathering reportedly linked all the cases to Bala Muhammadu, who had just completed a five-year prison term for the same offence.
According to a report by Tribune Newspaper, a police source familiar with the operation disclosed that one of the bags used in the payment of ransom for a recent victim was traced to the family compound and recovered inside the Seriki Fulani’s kitchen.
“One of the children who saw us coming into the community already hinted Bala and his other brothers, and they had escaped through the bush,” the source said. “It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other, and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping in the area after Bala was released from prison.”
Suspect admits knowledge of son’s criminal past
Paraded before newsmen, Muhammadu Abdullai, as he is also known, pleaded innocence, insisting he had no hand in his son’s criminal activities despite sharing the same compound with him.
The septuagenarian, who described himself as a cattle rearer and farmer, stated that he had lived in Yorubaland for more than three decades. He disclosed that he has four wives and thirty children, and was honoured with the title of Seriki Fulani in Ijebu Ode by the immediate past Awujale of Ijebu Ode.
“I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life,” he told reporters.
However, the community leader admitted that he was aware that his son Bala had been involved in kidnapping. He explained that after Bala’s release from prison, he personally took him to a hospital where he spent one month receiving medical treatment.
“I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment,” the Seriki Fulani said.
“I thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping. I don’t know if any of my other sons are into kidnapping. I am not into kidnapping and I will not encourage it.”
He further explained his decision to care for his son after imprisonment, stating: “I didn’t want him to die when he came back from prison. He was looking very sick and pale. I wanted the best for him and other children. I took him to the hospital for treatment. I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”
Elder brother arrested, denies involvement
Bello Muhammadu, the eldest child of the Seriki Fulani, was also arrested by the police. He claimed he was not present when operatives arrived, adding that he was on his farm when his father called him in confusion over the policemen’s inquiries.
“I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother, Bala, was arrested and taken to prison some years back. I don’t know anything about what he and any of my brothers are doing,” Bello stated.
He further asserted that if his father had known Bala had returned to crime, “he would have killed him himself,” adding that the Seriki Fulani “does not encourage anything like that.”
Police commend IGP’s support
The Ogun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, while confirming the operation, praised the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his continued support towards tactical policing and intelligence-led operations in the state.
“The Ogun State Police Command commends IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his continued support towards tactical policing, intelligence-led operations, and the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Babaseyi stated.
He also acknowledged the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, noting that the successful operation leading to the neutralisation and arrest of notorious suspects, as well as the recovery of incriminating exhibits, underscores the bravery and professionalism of the operatives.
“Their resilience and intelligence-driven approach continue to frustrate criminal networks and reinforce public confidence in the Police,” he added.
The police command assured residents that sustained efforts are being intensified to dismantle all criminal syndicates operating within the state, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
The police have declared Bala Muhammadu and his two other brothers wanted, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend them.
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