A disturbing case of alleged kidnap, unlawful detention, extortion and criminal conspiracy has surfaced in Ondo State, prompting a formal appeal to the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, human-rights organizations and the general public for urgent intervention.
The victim, Abimbola Akinsehinwa, has accused a group of individuals, some of whom allegedly claimed to be officers of the Nigerian Police Force, of abducting and extorting him under threat while repeatedly warning him against seeking justice.
According to the petition, Akinsehinwa was abducted in Ondo town and taken to an undisclosed location in Akure by a group that included Audu Lateef, said to be working under the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, as well as Abu Yunusa, Emmanuel Okocha, Ajala Festus and Oke Shina, believed to be attached to the IRT. The group was also said to have acted in collaboration with Mr. Oyebade Isaac Akinkuade, the Yangede of Epe in Ondo.
Akinsehinwa alleged that he was beaten, detained for several days and forced to pay ₦2,020,000 after an initial demand of ₦50 million. The petition states that the ordeal was reported to authorities and made known publicly, yet he has continued to receive threats to his life, allegedly warning him to abandon the matter.
Following his release, Akinsehinwa engaged his lawyer and initiated legal action. The accused persons were ordered to appear in court on 15 October 2025 but failed to do so. They were again invited by the Magistrate Court in Akure on 14 November 2025 and still did not appear. A bench warrant was issued by the court to compel their attendance over the alleged kidnap and extortion.
The petition also raised concerns about attempts to influence or derail the judicial process. According to accounts from the 14 November court sitting, Oba Oyebade Isaac Akinkuade allegedly attempted to pressure the presiding magistrate into dismissing the case, a request the magistrate reportedly refused. There are fears that plans may be underway to transfer the case from Akure to another jurisdiction in Ondo town, a move the petitioner believes could compromise the proceedings, especially after the magistrate refused to compromise the rule of law.
Akinsehinwa is now calling on the Inspector General of Police to order a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations, ensure that the bench warrant is executed without interference and protect the integrity of the court process. He is also appealing to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Attorney General of Ondo State to safeguard the judicial process and ensure that justice is not delayed or denied.
Photographs of the alleged perpetrators are attached to the petition, and they have reportedly been declared wanted. The public is urged to remain vigilant and provide any information that could help bring the suspects to justice.
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