Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar in connection with the killing of Excel Alaba the former campaign coordinator for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Supare, Akoko South West Local Government Area.
Mr Alaba was murdered in April 2024 in Supare during preparations for the November 16 governorship election.
The suspects were apprehended after Sheu allegedly confessed to the crime during a routine stop-and-search operation at Ikare Junction.
According to Ondo State police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the suspects are also linked to multiple kidnappings and robberies across the northern senatorial district of Ondo and neighbouring states.
Revealing the suspects’ modus operandi, Odunlami-Omisanya said they typically targeted victims at home, abducted them and demanded ransom payments.
The arrest was initiated on November 14, 2024, when officers intercepted a passenger vehicle during a stop-and-search operation. Police noticed a change in Sheu’s demeanour and singled him out for interrogation.
During questioning, incriminating voice notes were allegedly discovered on Sheu’s phone including one in which he asked an accomplice about potential kidnapping opportunities to earn money.
“Sheu was later arrested and taken to the station for proper investigation, where he confessed to other crimes he had committed, ranging from kidnapping to robbery in various places like Kogi, Niger, Akoko, Ifon, Ipele Axis, and Owo,” the police spokesperson said.
Efforts to apprehend other members of the gang, some of whom remain at large, are ongoing.
Odunlami-Omisanya said the suspects would be charged in court as the investigation continues.
