A 67-year-old Fulani community leader in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Abdullai Muhammadu, has come under police investigation after officers reportedly recovered a bag allegedly used for ransom payments from his residence.

Muhammadu, who serves as the Seriki Fulani of the area, was arrested alongside one of his sons during a police operation targeting suspected kidnapping networks operating across Ijebu Ode and neighbouring communities, including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode and Okun Owa.

According to police sources, investigations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit linked several abduction cases to members of Muhammadu’s family, particularly his son, Bala Muhammadu, who was previously convicted and jailed for kidnapping. Authorities allege that Bala returned to criminal activities after his release from prison and may have been working with some of his brothers.

Police said several suspects escaped through nearby bush paths before operatives arrived. However, a significant breakthrough came with the recovery of a bag allegedly used in the delivery of ransom payments, which investigators claim was found in the Seriki’s kitchen.

Muhammadu denied any involvement in kidnapping and insisted he had no knowledge of the bag. He acknowledged that Bala had previously served a prison sentence for kidnapping but said he believed his son had reformed after receiving medical treatment upon his release.

“I knew my son had been jailed for kidnapping. When he returned, I took him to the hospital because he was ill, and I believed he had changed,” he reportedly said.

Another son, Bello Muhammadu, also denied any involvement, claiming he was working on the family farm when police carried out the operation.

Confirming the arrests, the Ogun State Police Command said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the state. Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi stated that investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.

The command urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to support the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.