The Ekiti State Police Command has apprehended eight individuals, including two vigilante officers, linked to various kidnapping cases, particularly the abduction of pupils from Apostolic Faith Groups of School in Emure Local Government.

Commissioner of Police Adeniran Akinwale credited the success to the diligent efforts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) officers in the state.

The arrests unfolded following a tip-off received by the RRS about an armed gang planning to abduct expatriates in Dairy Farmland, Ikun-Ekiti. Saliu Ibrahim, Umaru Saliu, and six other suspects were apprehended during the operation in Eda-Oniyo-Ekiti. Abubakar Aliyu, alias Smallie, caught spying on expatriates, was arrested and subsequently led the authorities to the gang’s leader, Sumo Karami.

“Sumo Karami sent the two officers to secure the bail of the arrested gang member from Police custody,” revealed Akinwale.

The vigilant officers were arrested during this attempt and later led RRS operatives to Oro-Ago town, where Mohammed Bashiru, the leader of Miyetti Allah vigilante in Oro-Ago, Kwara State, was apprehended.

Police spokesperson DSP Sunday Abutu stated, “Sumo Karami and his gang members were responsible for the kidnapping of the pupils and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti on 29th January, 2024.”

The phone used for ransom demands was recovered, leading to the subsequent arrest of gang members Yahaya Jubril and Usman Garba in Owo forest, Ondo State.

The investigation expanded to Ibadan, Oyo State, resulting in the arrest of Kenneth Ugwu on 14th February, 2024.Ugwu confessed to being a member of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction of five pupils, three teachers, and a driver in Emure-Ekiti.

During a confrontation with the RRS, one gang member was neutralized, and Abubakar Mohammed, aka Smallie, was captured.

Commissioner Akinwale affirmed, “The syndicate was responsible for the kidnapping of Paul Omotosho, the APC Chairman, Ekiti State, along Agbado/Imesi, Ekiti road on 08/07/2023, the kidnapping of Mr. and Mrs. Awoniyi along Ikere/Itaogbolu road in January this year, and the kidnapping of teachers and pupils of Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Emure-Ekiti on 29th January, 2024.”.