The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a senior staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Among those apprehended was Benson Alaba, 45, the regular commercial motorcyclist of the victim, who reportedly provided the gang with critical information to carry out the abduction.
Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was kidnapped on August 4, 2025, with the kidnappers demanding N7 million for his release.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, said Alaba frequently transported Eleyinmi from the university gate to his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Council Area, and exploited this familiarity to facilitate the abduction.
Ayanlade explained that Alaba conspired with Wasiu Ogungbemi, 42; Audu Shaibu, 25; Ismaila Abdullahi, 24; Nuru Bature, 18; Usman Baba, 20; and Yusuf Muhammed, 23.
He stated:
“His role was critical in maintaining communication between the kidnappers and the victim’s relatives, thus facilitating the ransom negotiations. The seamless coordination between Benson Alaba’s surveillance, Ogungbemi Wasiu’s communication support, and the aggressive role of the five field operatives clearly points to a well-organised kidnapping syndicate.”
The PPRO added that the arrests were the result of a discreet, intelligence-driven operation by the command, which uncovered the coordinated roles each suspect played in the crime.
Eleyinmi is currently receiving medical attention at the Adekunle Ajasin University Health Centre, while the police assured that investigations will continue to apprehend any remaining accomplices.
