Seriki Fulani, Son Arrested as Police Trace Kidnapping Network to Ijebu Ode Community

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 for ransom delivery 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 nearby communities, including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa.
According to police sources, intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, headed by SP Bamidele Shittu, traced several kidnapping incidents to the suspect’s family, particularly his son, Bala Muhammadu, who was recently released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for kidnapping.
The source disclosed that the situation worsened after Bala allegedly returned to criminal activities following his release, with some of his brothers also suspected to be involved. However, the suspects reportedly escaped through nearby bush paths after receiving information about the arrival of security operatives.
One of the major discoveries during the investigation was a bag allegedly used in the delivery of ransom payments, which was recovered from the Seriki’s kitchen, raising further suspicion around the household.
Despite the allegations, Abdullai Muhammadu denied any involvement in criminal activities, insisting that he knew nothing about the bag and had no connection to his son’s actions. He stated that he had lived in Yorubaland for more than 30 years, raising children from his four wives while engaging in cattle rearing and farming.
He acknowledged being aware of Bala’s previous conviction and said he had tried to help him after his release by taking him for medical treatment because he believed he had changed.
“I know my son was once involved in 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 knowledge of any ongoing criminal activity.
An elder son, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested, denied involvement in kidnapping, saying he was on 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 operating in the state.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said the success of the operation was achieved through intelligence-led policing and the support of the Inspector General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police.
He added that investigations were continuing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure the complete dismantling of the criminal network.
The command assured residents of its commitment to ridding the state of kidnappers and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful intelligence.