The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the rescue of a 26-year-old woman, Miss Ogechi John, who was abducted in Owo, and the arrest of four suspects linked to the incident.
According to a press statement, the incident occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, when the victim was allegedly seized by armed men at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway. The suspects reportedly arrived in an ash-coloured unregistered Toyota Camry before whisking her away to an unknown destination.
The Command said it immediately activated a coordinated response involving the police, Amotekun operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
Strategic entry and exit points in Owo and surrounding communities were secured, while tactical teams combed nearby bushes and escape routes in a bid to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
The operation led to the discovery of the suspected getaway vehicle abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo. Acting on intelligence gathered during the search, police operatives arrested three suspects found with a lady’s motorcycle believed to be connected to the crime.
The suspects were identified as Friday Shola (27), Friday Monday (21), and Osho Joseph (24), while another suspect, Lawal Mariam, was also listed in connection with the case.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the abandoned vehicle had earlier been handed over to a herbalist, identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.
The police confirmed that sustained pressure and intelligence-led operations eventually resulted in the safe rescue of the victim, who is now receiving necessary care while investigations continue.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers involved for their swift and professional response, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven in the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across Ondo State.
