Police detectives in Ondo State have arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly murdered Hon. Alaba Abe Excel, the campaign coordinator for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the Akoko South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar, were apprehended by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ondo State Police Command.

While parading the suspects, the state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated that the duo confessed to the kidnapping in Supare Akoko that resulted in the death of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinator.

Odunlami reported that the suspects also admitted to other crimes, including armed robbery in various locations such as Kogi and Niger States, as well as Akoko, Ifon, Ipele Axis, and the Owo area of Ondo State.

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During interrogation, Sheu disclosed their method of operation, explaining that they surveil victims’ houses, enter, abduct them, and then transport them to the bush, where ransom demands are made.

The police spokesperson noted, “On November 14, 2024, members of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, during a stop-and-search operation at Ikare Junction around 3:20 p.m., intercepted a Hiace vehicle, commonly known as a Hummer Bus, carrying passengers to Owo.

“During the search, Mohammed Sheu, 21, exhibited a changed demeanor and, based on reasonable suspicion, was singled out for brief questioning.

“While interrogating him, a voice note arrived as a message on his phone. When opened, it was a reply from a friend of Sheu’s (who is currently on the run), who confirmed having seen his message.

“A previous voice note sent by Sheu was also opened; in it, he mentioned that he was not financially stable and asked his friend to contact him if any kidnapping jobs were available that could earn them money.

“Sheu was subsequently arrested and taken to the station for further investigation, where he confessed to various crimes, including kidnapping and robbery in locations such as Kogi, Niger, Akoko, Ifon, Ipele Axis, and Owo.

“He stated that their operational style involved locating victims’ residences, entering, abducting them, and then demanding ransom in the bush.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of 24-year-old Abubakar Umar, who also confessed to committing similar crimes as a gang member.

“The suspects further claimed responsibility for the kidnapping in Supare Akoko that led to the death of Hon. Alaba Abe Excel in April 2024. In September, they kidnapped another person at a popular hotel in Owo. Odunlami added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group.