The Ogun State Police Command has linked two suspects arrested in the Ijebu-Ode area of the state to a kidnapping and murder case under investigation in the Okada area of Edo State.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, noting that the suspects were arrested following intelligence-driven investigations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Babaseyi noted that the breakthrough came following an earlier report that personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service apprehended two suspicious persons in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode, prompting the police to commence investigations into their activities.

Giving an update on the case, Babaseyi identified the suspects as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20.

According to him, preliminary findings revealed that the duo was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and murder of two hostages in the Okada area of Edo State.

He added that intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that the suspects were members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the crime.

Babaseyi noted that upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered a pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones believed to be relevant to the investigation.

“Further intelligence gathered by the Command indicates that the suspects are alleged members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident under investigation.

“During the course of the investigation, operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects.

“The exhibits have been properly documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation,” the statement read.

He noted that since the alleged offences occurred in Edo State, the suspects and recovered exhibits would be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The alleged offences under investigation occurred outside Ogun State. Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter,” the command stated.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives involved in the investigation, describing the breakthrough as a testament to effective intelligence gathering and inter-state security collaboration.

Ojajuni reiterated the command’s resolve to prevent Ogun State from being used as a hideout or transit point for criminal elements and assured residents of continued deployment of intelligence-led policing strategies to enhance security across the state.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts at combating crime.

PUNCH Online reported on May 16 that the Police Command in Ogun State killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during an intelligence-led operation in the Ijebu area of the state.

Babaseyi had stated that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following investigations into the abduction of three persons in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.

He had explained that the victims were kidnapped on Monday and later released unharmed on Thursday after payment of an unspecified ransom. (PUNCH)