A black bag allegedly used to deliver ransom payments to kidnappers has been recovered from the home of a prominent Fulani community leader in Ogun State.
The discovery was made during an intelligence-led operation by the Ogun State Police Command, which has already led to the arrest of Mohammed Abdullahi, identified by police as the Seriki of the Fulani community, alongside another suspect, Mohammed Bello.
Two other suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives.
According to police investigators, the black bag was allegedly linked to ransom payments made to secure the release of kidnapping victims and was recovered as operatives intensified efforts to dismantle criminal gangs behind a series of abductions in Ijebu-Ode and surrounding communities.
Police sources said the investigation focused on kidnapping incidents reported in areas including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun-Owa, where residents have faced growing security concerns in recent months.
The Ogun State Police Command had earlier announced that operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out a coordinated operation following investigations into the abduction of three persons at Ipojo in the Atan-Ijebu area of the state.
The victims were later released after ransom was reportedly paid, prompting further surveillance and intelligence gathering aimed at identifying those responsible.
Police spokesman, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition, a single-barrel gun, mobile phones, N1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds and the black bag believed to have been used during ransom transactions.
Investigators are also examining alleged links between members of the suspect’s family and previous kidnapping activities.
Reports indicate that one of Abdullahi’s sons, identified as Bala Muhammadu, had previously served a prison sentence for kidnapping-related offences and is now being linked to renewed criminal operations in the area.
The development has generated fresh concern over allegations that influential community figures may be providing cover or logistical support for criminal groups operating in parts of the South-West.
While the police have yet to formally announce criminal charges against Abdullahi, authorities said investigations remain ongoing and additional suspects are being tracked.
The case comes amid intensified security operations across Ogun State as authorities seek to curb rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and violent crime.
Recent police raids in different parts of the state have led to the recovery of weapons, ransom proceeds and the arrest of several suspects linked to organised criminal networks.
Source: Newsmakersng
