The arrested suspects
Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a five-year-old girl, Miss Fikayo Gbemiga, who was abducted from her family’s residence in the Iyana Offa area of Ibadan.
The successful operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, followed days of intelligence gathering and the deployment of technological and other investigative tools that led detectives to the suspects’ hideout.
According to the Police, the child was kidnapped on July 3, 2026, after the suspects allegedly gained unlawful access to her family’s home before demanding a ransom of ₦10 million for her release.
Police investigations later led to the arrest of the two principal suspects—Adegboye Seyi Sunday, 37, and Adegboye Elijah Adefemi, 25—during a late-night operation on July 11 at about 10:30 p.m. in the Mojoyin Molade area of Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The victim was rescued unharmed just minutes after security operatives stormed the hideout.
Investigators disclosed that the suspects had already received ₦1 million from the victim’s family as part of ongoing negotiations. The ransom was reportedly paid on July 8 in Gbongan, Osun State.
Police said efforts are underway to recover the money and track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate who remain on the run.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised their commitment and professionalism in securing the child’s safe return.
The Command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the operation reflected its determination to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-driven policing.
The statement added: “The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Oyo State of kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and robust collaboration with members of the public.”
The Police also appealed to residents to remain security conscious and continue to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
The Command encouraged members of the public to report emergencies through its toll-free response line, 615, or the control room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
