Men of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested the suspected killers of the campaign coordinator of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Excel Alaba, who was killed eight months ago.
The suspects, Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar, were apprehended following the confession to the crime by one of the duo.

Excel, who was killed in April 2024 in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Council Area of Ondo State, was a ward campaign coordinator for the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot-Soldiers, LACO-SF, in the build-up to the November 16 governorship election.

According to the police spokesperson in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the suspects had been involved in various kidnappings in the northern senatorial district of the state as well as adjoining communities and neighbouring states.

The police image maker in the state stressed that one of the suspects, who was arrested during a stop-and-search operation, confessed to committing the crime along with his other gang members.

While disclosing that the style of operation of the suspects was to locate victims’ houses, after which they would go in, pick, and whisk them into the bush, and subsequently demand the payment of ransom.
“On the 14th of November, 2024, men of the Special Anti-Kidnapping on Stop and Search at Ikare Junction at about 1520 hrs intercepted one Hiace vehicle, popularly known as the Hummer Bus, conveying passengers to Owo,” the statement read.

“During the search, Mohammed Sheu, 21 years old, demeanour changed and, on reasonable suspicion, he was singled out for brief interrogation.

“During interrogation, a voice note dropped as a message on his phone; when opened, it was a reply from Sheu’s friend (on the run) who confirmed to have seen his message.

“A prior voice note sent by Sheu was opened; he told his friend that he is not financially buoyant and told him to contact him if there is any kidnapping job available that can fetch them some 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.”

Odunlami-Omisanya, who further stressed that the suspects will be arraigned in court, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.