Ekiti: Escaped prisoner, two others arrested for kidnapping

The Police in Ekiti have arrested a 35-year-old escaped prisoner, Mr. Olusola Adewale and two others in connection with the kidnapping of a 75-year-old woman, Mrs. Aina Rose.

The two other suspects being detained at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti in connection with the crime are Owolabi Ojo (48) and Adedayo Popoola (48).

Aina was kidnapped at Ilogbo Ekiti community of Ido/Osi Local Government Area last Tuesday by gunmen by 9pm.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Etop James, said the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad secured her release by 6.30am on Tuesday at Ita Ogbolu town, in Ondo State.

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While parading the suspects, the CP said two of the suspects were arrested at Ita Ogbolu while Adewale – the hostage’s driver was arrested at Ilogbo Ekiti.

James described the suspects as members of a gang that had engaged in terrorism and kidnapping in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Delta states.

He said Olusola was one of the over 200 inmates that escaped when Ekiti State prison came under a bomb attack on November 30, 2014.

The CP, who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, said two red Golf cars and dangerous weapons, including pistols, were recovered from the suspects.

He disclosed that no ransom was paid to secure Aina’s release, adding that she was rescued through the concerted efforts of his men, who worked day and night.

He said, “The vehicle seized were those that had been on our radar for long. The two vehicles were used to abduct the Reverend father, Emmanuel Akingbade, and many others in recent time.

“We are even very happy that Mrs. Rose Aina had been able to recognise one of the suspects as being involved in her kidnap, so we are banking on these two backgrounds to be able to prosecute them.”

The Police Commissioner, however, lamented that Ekiti indigenes had been hiding useful information through which criminals could be nabbed.

“We are quite sure that the kidnappers are well known to our people. They are part of the society and they live among us. But the most difficult thing has been that people are not ready to give useful information.

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