The Ondo State Police Command has reacted strongly to claims made by Mr. Eniola Ojajuni, a youth leader of the Afenifere group, who alleged that four traditional rulers in Akoko were in connivance with kidnappers, and accused the police of failing to debrief him after his purported release from captivity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said Mr. Ojajuni's narrative is riddled with inconsistencies and does not align with known patterns of kidnapping activities in the state.
“The Command takes all allegations seriously, but it is important to set the record straight,” the statement read. “Contrary to Mr. Ojajuni’s assertions, he was neither kidnapped nor released by any known abductors within Ondo State.”
According to the police, investigations into the case were hampered by conflicting statements from Mr. Ojajuni and members of his family, particularly his wife and brothers, whose accounts contradicted his version of events. The police said they worked alongside other commands to ensure his safe return despite the lack of clarity in the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The statement also revealed that Mr. Ojajuni has repeatedly failed to honor invitations from the Command for a formal debrief, an exercise the police say could have aided further investigation and clarified lingering doubts about the case.
Significantly, the police raised doubts about a video released during Mr. Ojajuni’s alleged abduction, stating that its contents do not resemble the behavior of any known kidnapping group in Ondo State. “Intelligence gathered from previous cases shows that many of these criminals do not own smartphones or make videos of their victims,” the PPRO added.
The Command expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals bypassing official channels and resorting to social media to make sweeping allegations. It stressed that criminal investigations cannot be conducted online and urged the public to rely on proper channels for redress.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding justice without fear or favor. Anyone found culpable, regardless of status, will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
The police also appealed to members of the public with credible information on criminal activities to come forward and support ongoing security efforts in the state.
Residents were urged to continue their lawful activities without fear, as the Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and safety in Ondo State.
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