Ondo police foil attempt to kidnap three-year-old boy, nab suspects

Cityscope, Crime Diary

AKURE, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Police in Ondo State have arrested two suspects following a dramatic attempt to abduct a child in the Ogbagi Akoko area on 22 March.

The incident was reported by Mrs Olanireti, who had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami, to visit his grandmother nearby. Moments later, a vigilant resident, identified as Oni, raised the alarm after noticing suspicious behaviour around the boy.

Responding swiftly, the mother rushed to the scene and discovered two men, Adefarati Idowu and Adepoju Babatunde, attempting to escape with her child on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle.

According to a statement issued by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, the child’s grandmother, Mrs Olawale, bravely clung to the motorcycle to prevent the suspects from fleeing. Local residents quickly mobilised, blocking their escape until police officers arrived to rescue the child unharmed.

The suspects were apprehended at the scene through the collective efforts of the community, and the case has been transferred to police headquarters for discreet investigation. Authorities are probing whether the incident is linked to a wider criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, praised the courage and vigilance of the community, stressing that their swift action prevented a potentially tragic crime. He urged parents and guardians to remain alert, particularly in monitoring their children’s movements, and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity without delay.

CP Lawal also expressed gratitude to Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support, noting that the IGP’s community-focused policing strategy has strengthened the Command’s operations and contributed to recent successes.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will intensify efforts to rid the state of criminality,” the statement concluded.