On Friday, the Ekiti State Police Command has arrested eight suspects linked to the abduction of schoolchildren from the Apostolic Faith Groups of School in Emure Local Government.
The suspects were also allegedly involved in the abduction of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Honorable Paul Omotosho.
During a press briefing, the State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, revealed that one of the suspects lost their life during a gun battle with law enforcement officers.
The operation, spearheaded by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), specifically targeted criminals responsible for the murder of two traditional rulers in Ikole-Ekiti and the kidnapping of both schoolchildren and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.
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According to Akinwale, the investigation commenced on February 8, 2024, following the arrest of Abubakar Aliyu (also known as “Smallie”), who had been spying on expatriates in Dairy Farmland, Ikun-Ekiti.
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Akinwale said:
“Further arrests followed, including two vigilante members sent by the gang leader, Sumo Karami, to secure Smallie’s release. Mohammed Bashiru, leader of Miyetti Allah vigilante in Oro-Ago, Kwara State, was also apprehended, revealing connections to the kidnapping gang.
“The gang, led by Sumo Karami, was linked to the January 29, 2024, kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.
“Subsequent arrests in Owo forest, Ondo State, and Ibadan, Oyo State, uncovered more members, including Kenneth Ugwu, who confessed to his involvement.
“A gun duel during a raid in Agric Reserved Forest resulted in the neutralization of one gang member (Ayuba) and the capture of Smallie, with other members escaping.
“The syndicate’s criminal activities included the kidnapping of the APC Chairman, Ekiti State, Paul Omotosho, on July 8, 2023, and the abduction of Mr and Mrs Awoniyi along Ikere/Itaogbolu road in January.
“Additionally, they were responsible for the kidnapping of teachers and pupils at Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Emure-Ekiti, on January 29, 2024.”
