A 67-year-old Seriki Fulani and leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, Abdullai Muhammadu, who was arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command alongside one of his sons over alleged involvement in recent kidnappings in parts of Ijebu, has maintained his innocence even as investigators say incriminating evidence was recovered from his residence.
Police confirmed that a bag allegedly used in the delivery of ransom payments was discovered in the suspect’s kitchen during a search of the family compound.
Muhammadu, however, denied any involvement in the kidnappings, insisting that although he lives in the same compound with his children, he had no knowledge of their alleged criminal activities.
The Seriki Fulani admitted that one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, had previously been convicted and served a five-year jail term for kidnapping.
According to him, he believed the son had reformed after his release and had since returned to farming and cattle rearing.
The Seriki Fulani also confirmed that he personally took Bala to the hospital for treatment for about a month after his release from correctional custody, saying he did so because the young man was in poor health and appeared weakened.
Meanwhile, security sources said Bala and two of his brothers fled their family compound after allegedly being alerted to the presence of police operatives.
The suspects were said to have escaped through surrounding bushes as officers closed in.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, reportedly linked the suspects to a series of kidnapping incidents recorded in communities such as Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, and Okun Owa.
A police source stated that intelligence-led investigations tied the recent surge in kidnappings in the area to Bala. The source further alleged that other individuals connected to the gang were also under surveillance.
According to the source, “After thorough investigation, a bag used in the payment of ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen. One of the children alerted the suspects, and they escaped before operatives arrived. We are also tracking other members of the group.”
Muhammadu, however, maintained that he is a cattle rearer and farmer who has lived in Yorubaland for over three decades.
He said he has four wives and several children, and that he was honoured with the title of Seriki Fulani in Ijebu Ode by the late Awujale.
“I don’t know anything about the bag found in my house. I have never been involved in kidnapping,” he said, adding that he had no control over the actions of his adult children.
He reiterated that while he was aware of Bala’s past conviction, he had believed the matter was behind him after the son resumed farming and livestock activities.
He added that he had always discouraged crime and only supported his son’s recovery by ensuring he received medical care after prison.
An elder son of the family, Bello Muhammadu, who was also arrested, said he was away on the farm when police arrived at the compound. He denied any involvement in kidnapping activities, insisting he is only a herder and has no knowledge of his brothers’ alleged operations.
“If my father knew Bala had returned to crime, he would not have accepted it. He does not support such acts,” he said.
The Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks in the state.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, for their support in intelligence-driven policing.
He added that the operation reflected the commitment and professionalism of officers involved in combating violent crime, noting that sustained efforts would continue to target criminal syndicates across Ogun State.
The command urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in ongoing investigations and operations.
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