A bag used to deliver ransom for a kidnapping victim has been recovered from the kitchen of Abdullai Muhammadu, the 67-year-old Seriki Fulani and leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Mr Muhammadu was arrested alongside his eldest child following a wave of abductions in communities including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, and Okun Owa. While he denies any involvement, police say the discovery of the ransom bag in his home forms a key piece of evidence.
The Seriki admitted that he knew his son, Bala Muhammadu, was engaged in kidnapping, but said he believed Bala had turned a new leaf. He also confirmed that after Bala completed a five-year prison sentence for a previous kidnapping, he took him to hospital for a month of medical treatment.
“I thought he had changed because he took up farming and cattle rearing,” Mr Muhammadu told reporters. “I did not know he was still involved in kidnapping. I have never kidnapped anyone in my life.”
He insisted he had no hand in his son’s crimes, despite living in the same compound.
Bala and two of his brothers reportedly fled into the bush after being tipped off about the arrival of security operatives. Police say Bala is the suspected leader of a kidnapping ring that became increasingly active following his release from custody.
Police intelligence leads to breakthrough
A source within the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, explained: “After painstaking and intelligence-led investigation, one of the bags used to pay ransom for a victim was recovered in the father’s kitchen. One of the children alerted Bala and his brothers to our presence, and they escaped through the bush.
“Bala is not alone. There is also Ndaji and another suspect. We are on their trail. There was a sharp rise in kidnappings in the area after Bala was freed from prison.”
Father: ‘I wanted the best for him’
The Seriki Fulani, who has four wives and 30 children, said he had lived in Yorubaland for more than three decades and was honoured with his title by the immediate past Awujale of Ijebu Ode. He denied any knowledge of the bag found in his kitchen.
“When Bala returned from prison, he looked very sick and pale. I did not want him to die. I took him to hospital and encouraged him to stay away from crime,” he added.
His eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested, said: “I was on the farm when the police came. I know nothing about what Bala or my other brothers are doing. If my father had known Bala had returned to crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage such things.”
Police commend IGP’s support
Speaking on the operation, the command’s spokesman, Oluseyi Babaseyi, praised the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, for their strategic leadership.
“The successful operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, leading to the neutralisation and arrest of notorious suspects and the recovery of incriminating exhibits, demonstrates the bravery and professionalism of our operatives,” Mr Babaseyi said.
He added that the command is intensifying efforts to dismantle all criminal syndicates operating in the state and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.