Osun Police to Charge 13 Suspects for Kidnapping and Other Crimes

The Osun State Police Command has announced plans to charge 13 suspects for alleged kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related activities, stealing, hooliganism, and having substances believed to be Indian hemp. This follows separate operations carried out across the state.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan shared this information on Wednesday during a press briefing in Osogbo. He also revealed that police rescued a kidnapped herder and recovered N2.2 million in ransom.

Gotan mentioned that the arrests included two suspected kidnappers, three alleged cultists under investigation for ritual-related activities, and eight other suspects caught in raids on known trouble spots.

The police rescued a 50-year-old Fulani herder named Haruna Yusuf. He was kidnapped on July 9 from a settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road. The police's Violent Crime Response Unit monitored the ransom payment before raiding the collection point at Majeroku along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway on July 12.

During the operation, one suspect was arrested after a gun battle, and the victim was rescued without any harm. The police also seized N2,217,800, believed to be ransom money. Gotan said, "The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt. The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire, and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and one was arrested, while others fled."

He added, "The sum of N2,217,800 was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang."

Gotan also reported that another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, was arrested in Seyin, Oyo State. This followed a failed kidnap attempt on Yahaya Sulaimon at Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026.

Additionally, police operatives arrested three suspected cultists in Iree after receiving tips about cult groups harassing the community. The suspects are Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23. They are also being looked into for possible involvement in ritual activities.

The police recovered a small coffin and locally made charms and soaps from the suspects. Gotan stated, "I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network."

The commissioner mentioned that eight other suspects were arrested in raids across the state for crimes like stealing, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of substances thought to be Indian hemp.

The suspects include David Ayomide, Akanbi Adijat, Kareem Afeez, Ajewale Abidemi, Oladipupo Temitope, Adeleke Chalse, Chibueze David, and Abayomi Sunday.

Gotan assured the public that all suspects would be taken to court after investigations. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Osun State.