Terrorism: Bags for ransom from kidnap victims found in Seriki Fulani’s home

“Awujale made me Seriki Fulani”

By Omolade Adegbuyi

State security operatives have found the bag used to collect ransom from kidnappers in the home of Seriki Fulani, Mohammad Abdullahi in Ogun State.

The 67-year-old Seriki Fulani said he was aware his son was a kidnapper but he thought he had given up on the crime though there was no evidence he reported his son to the authorities until the accidental discovery of the bag.

The Seriki is the head of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode.

Security operatives have arrested the clan leader. His eldest son was also arrested. Some of the suspects remain wanted.

His son Bala Muhammadu, is alleged to be deeply involved in kidnapping.

The security operatives said the kidnapper had used a bag to collect millions of funds.

The bag was later traced to the home of the Seriki in Ogun State who said he was aware his son was into kidnapping, but that he felt he had turned a new leaf.

The Seriki said he once took his son to the hospital after his release from a correctional centre in recent past.

Earlier, reports said the son had been jailed for five years in kidnapping related offences.

SP Bamidele Shittu who led the Ogun State Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command had launched investigations into in Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa.

The kidnapping in these areas were linked to Bala and his sublings.

Tribune Newspapers quoted a police source: “After painstaking and intelligence investigation, one of the bags which was used in the payment of the ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen. One of the children who saw us coming into the community already hinted Bala and his other brothers and they had escaped through the bush.

“It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping in the area after Bala was released from prison. He spent five years in prison for kidnapping.”

Muhammadu Abdullai was quoted as saying that:”I am a cattle rearer and also a farmer. I have been in Yorubaland for more than thirty years now. I have four wives and thirty children in Yorubaland. I was honoured with the title of Seriki of Fulani in Ijebu Ode by the immediate past Awujale of Ijebu Ode.

He spoke father “I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life.”

But he admitted that he was aware that one of his sons, Bala, was into kidnapping.

He spoke further: “I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment.

He said he thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping. I don’t know if any of my other sons are into kidnapping. I am not into kidnapping and I will not encourage it.

The Seriki said “I didn’t want him to die when he came back from prison. He was looking very sick and pale. I wanted the best for him and other children. I took him to the hospital for treatment. I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”

The suspect’s elder brother Bello Mohammadu said

“I was not at home when the policemen came. I was in the farm when my father called me. He could not understand what the policemen were saying.

“I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother, Bala, was arrested and taken to prison some years back. I don’t know anything about what he and any of my brothers are doing.

“If my father had known that Bala had returned to the crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage anything like that.”

The Ogun State police media official, Oluseyi Babaseyi said the Police is doing a lot due to the support from the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

He said:“The Ogun State Police Command commends IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his continued support towards tactical policing, intelligence-led operations, and the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“The command equally appreciates the strategic leadership and operational direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, which have continued to yield remarkable security successes within Ogun State.

“The successful operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, leading to the neutralisation/arrest of the notorious suspect and recovery of incriminating exhibits, underscores the bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication of the operatives.

“Their resilience and intelligence-driven approach continue to frustrate criminal networks and reinforce public confidence in the Police.”