A source in Ondo State said that
following the kidnap and subsequent release of Falae, the Inspector General of
Police, Mr Solomon Arase and his men didn’t relent in trailing the suspects.
The suspects were said to be nine,
but six are currently in the custody of the police in Ondo State.
The suspects were grabbed in three different states; Niger, Ondo and Ekiti states. Three of the suspects, were arrested in Niger State while the other three were picked up in other parts of the country.
It was further gathered that some of
the ransom money were recovered by plainclothes detectives who were put on
covert operations by Arase.
The suspects are expected to be
moved to Force Headquarters soonest in order to be debriefed by Arase.
The source added: “When Falae was
released, we wanted to relax, but the IGP ordered us to continue with our
investigation. We finally nailed six of the kidnappers. We’ll soon get others.”
On September 21, 2015, Falae was kidnapped on his farm, in IIado in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, on his 77th birthday, with the kidnappers demanding N100 million ransom for his release.
He was suspected to have been kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen. Falae was released on September 24, 2015 after paying ransom and returned to his home in Akure.
Just when the kidnappers thought
everyone had forgotten the matter and the trail cold, detectives swooped on
them.
After the kidnap of Falae, Arase had
coordinated the Chief’s rescue operation.
Indeed, a press release from Force
Headquarters stated: “The rescue of Falae from his captives on September 24,
2015, was made possible as the IGP, coordinated both aerial and land operations
to ensure the freedom of the former presidential candidate of the SDP. The operation
which started in the early hours of the aforementioned date, combed every nook
and cranny of Ondo State till success was achieved in Owo.”
Speaking in Owo while re-uniting Falae
with his family, the Arase said: “Those who think Nigeria is lawless, should
have a rethink as the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies are
everywhere to deal decisively with those miscreants who intend to test the
capabilities of the Force.”
He further said that the Nigeria Police
promised to leave no stone unturned till the perpetrators of the dastardly act
were brought to book.
It was however learnt that the security operatives were on the trail of three other members of the kidnappers.
The kidnap of Falae made several interest groups, including Afenifere and Yoruba Unity Forum to ask the Fulani herdsmen to vacate all parts of southwest geopolitical zone.
A family source said those arrest by the police have been brought to Falae’s for identification.
The State Police Command are yet to confirm the arrest, but family sources confirmed it.
The family source said three of the abductors were apprehended in Niger State while three others were picked up from different hideouts.
Similarly, security source said the suspects are currently being detained at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Section in Akure, the state capital.
Four of the suspects were arrested last week Sunday while other two were picked up during the week.
It was further learnt that acting on a tip off, detectives from the police headquarters, in collaboration with the police in the state, stormed the kidnappers’ hideouts.
The first three suspects that were arrested, were used as baits to catch others.
The suspects were said to have made useful confessional statements.
Police spokesman, Mr Femi Joseph, said that the kidnap of Falae “is a national issue. It has been taken over by the IGP. All the issue that has to do with Chief Falae is being handled by the IG himself. I’m sure that the IG will brief the Press tomorrow (today) on the development as regards the kidnap of Chief Falae.”
A visit to the Police Command showed that security in SARS had been re-enforced.
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