The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended two men in connection with the abduction and murder of Alaba Abe, a prominent campaign coordinator for Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the Akoko-South West Local Government Area. Abe was reportedly kidnapped and killed in April 2024 during preparations for the APC governorship primary. The incident occurred at his residence in Supare Akoko, where the victim was allegedly attacked by gunmen.
The arrest was confirmed by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, who stated that the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit was instrumental in capturing the suspects. According to Odunlami, the two men, identified as Mohammed Sheu, 21, and Abubakar Umar, 24, were apprehended after a routine stop-and-search operation in Ikare on November 14. During the search, Sheu’s suspicious behavior prompted further questioning, leading to the discovery of incriminating voice notes on his phone.
One of the voice notes revealed Sheu’s communication with a friend, in which he confessed his financial struggles and expressed interest in any available kidnapping jobs. This led to Sheu’s arrest and further investigation, during which he admitted to involvement in various crimes, including kidnapping and robbery across multiple regions, such as Kogi, Niger, Akoko, and Owo.
Sheu’s confession led to the identification of Abubakar Umar as his accomplice. Umar also admitted to participating in similar criminal activities, including the kidnapping of Abe in Supare Akoko. Both suspects revealed that their method of operation involved tracking victims to their homes, abducting them, and demanding ransom. They also confessed to another kidnapping incident in September at a hotel in Owo.
The police continue to investigate the case and are working to apprehend other members of the criminal group. The arrests have provided a significant breakthrough in the investigation into Abe’s murder, shedding light on the widespread nature of the suspects’ criminal activities.
