—Manhunt for herbalist
By Dayo Johnson Akure
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of 26-year-old Miss Ogechi John in Owo, Ondo State.
The victim was forcibly taken by gunmen at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway on Monday.
According to reports, the gunmen stormed the filling station in an ash-coloured, unregistered Toyota Camry and abducted the victim before fleeing to an unknown destination.
A police source said the state command activated a coordinated response with Amotekun, local hunters and vigilantes immediately after receiving the distress report.
“Strategic entry and exit points within Owo and adjoining communities were swiftly secured, while multiple patrol and tactical teams were deployed to comb nearby bushes and likely escape routes,” the source said.
The operation yielded results when the suspected getaway vehicle was found abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
Police spokesperson DSP Jimoh Abayomi confirmed the arrest of four suspects and the rescue of the victim.
Abayomi said that acting on intelligence generated during the operation, operatives arrested three suspects found with a lady’s motorcycle believed to be connected to the investigation.
He identified the suspects as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
According to him, “During preliminary interrogation, one suspect disclosed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had earlier been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.
Abayomi said sustained pressure and intelligence-driven efforts led to the victim’s rescue.
He said that “Miss Ogechi John has been rescued safely and is receiving necessary support while investigators process relevant evidence.
The police image-maker added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and others who may have played a role in the crime.
Abayomi reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that criminal elements would find no safe haven in Ondo State.
He urged the public to remain security conscious and support law enforcement with timely, credible information.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure all persons involved in criminal activities are brought to justice,” Abayomi said. End
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