The Oyo state police command has arrested the kidnappers of the twin children of an Ibadan-based cleric, Taofeek Azeez also known as ‘Akewugbagold’.
Mr Akewugbagold served as Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, during the administration of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi. The children were kidnapped at gunpoint at the cleric’s residence located at Abatakan area in Ojoo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, two weeks ago.
The criminals who carried cutlass and guns attacked his wife and abducted his two-year-old twins to an unknown destination. They demanded a ransom of fifty million naira afterwards. However, after a sum of four million naira paid to the assailant, the twins, a male and female, were released to the cleric at a bush last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Oyo police spokesperson, Gbenga Fadeyi, announced the arrest of seven suspects on Monday.
“The two operational vehicles and one motorcycle were also recovered from them. I, therefore, wish to solicit from the members of the public for their continued support and constantly assisting us with incredible, timely and useful information to enable us combat crime and criminality in the state.”
Also, Mr Fadeyi announced the recovery of some weapons and a substantial part of ransom paid. He disclosed that a discreet investigation revealed that the criminal gang have also perpetrated criminal acts in Adamawa and Sokoto states.
The criminals were paraded on Monday at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The kidnapping syndicate paraded by the police include Rildwan Taiwo,(30) Rafiu Mutiu(35), Olumide Ajala, (36) Fatai Akanji,(39) Bashiru Muhammed (25), Opeyemi Oyeleye (33)and Rafiu Modinat (29).
Modinat, the only female member of the gang was said to have been the one taking care of the twins while they were in the captivity of the kidnappers.
The suspects will be charged to court soon.
