Police Arrest Six in Connection with Kidnap and Murder of Ekiti Varsity Ex-DVC

The Ekiti State Police Command has made significant progress in the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Professor Femi Olaofe, shedding light on the details surrounding the tragic incident. On 09/07/2024, armed assailants stormed Professor Olaofe’s residence at 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate, Ado-Ekiti. The attackers abducted the professor and his security guard, Abdul Opotu, before fleeing with Professor Olaofe’s Toyota Camry car.

Promptly responding to the incident, the Command dispatched operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to the scene. Despite their efforts, the perpetrators had already absconded with the victims. However, a thorough search of the forest area between Ado-Ekiti and Afao-Ekiti yielded a crucial discovery—the recovery of Professor Olaofe’s Camry car.

In a press briefing, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, mni, disclosed that the investigation swiftly led to the apprehension of Omowaye Ayodele, alias A.Y, at Bencom Guest House in Akure, Ondo State. During interrogation, Ayodele confessed to his involvement in the crime and implicated several accomplices, including Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga (known as Toro), Nnamani Chukwuka (alias Amechi), and Ojo (known as Ojo Ijan).

Police Arrests and Confessions Unveil Gruesome Details

Further investigation uncovered chilling details of the crime. Amodu Gbenga, also arrested in connection with the kidnapping, confessed to his role and provided crucial information about the gang’s operations. He revealed their hideouts behind Government College, Off Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti, where they often concealed themselves after operations.

A breakthrough in the case occurred on 30/07/2024, when authorities discovered a shallow grave concealed in a bush area behind the new Airport site, Ado-Ekiti. Following legal procedures, including obtaining an Order of Exhumation and Coroner Forms from the Magistrate Court, Ado-Ekiti, and involving the Ministry of Environment, the police exhumed a body suspected to be that of Professor Femi Olaofe.

Discovery of Professor Olaofe’s Body

The police disclosed that their investigation and subsequent arrests revealed the grim fate of Professor Olaofe. After Ayodele’s confession, which included the involvement of the security guard Abdul Opotu, further police efforts led to the arrest of Amodu Gbenga, who confessed to supplying food and water to the kidnappers at their hideout behind Government College, off Ijan Road, Ado Ekiti.

The investigation culminated on July 30 with the discovery of a shallow grave in a bush off Afao Road, behind the new airport site in Ado Ekiti. The police, armed with an Order of Exhumation and Coroner Forms obtained from the Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti, and with the cooperation of the Ministry of Environment and medical practitioners, exhumed the body on July 31. The remains were positively identified as those of the kidnapped Professor Olaofe, who had been buried in the shallow grave.

Continued Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Police
Commissioner Akinwale highlighted the ongoing nature of the investigation, with efforts focused on apprehending other suspects still at large, notably Kenneth, who is believed to be in possession of the AK-47 rifles used in the abduction. The police are also verifying the full extent of the involvement of the security guard, Abdul Opotu, who, according to the confession, facilitated the kidnapping by providing critical information to the kidnappers.

The six arrested suspects, including Ayodele and Gbenga, are currently in police custody and are expected to face charges related to the abduction and murder of Professor Olaofe. The police have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice for the slain academic and maintaining security in the region.

The gruesome murder of Professor Olaofe has sent shockwaves through the academic and local communities, prompting calls for heightened security measures and more robust efforts to combat violent crime in Ekiti State. As the investigation progresses, the police have reiterated their determination to bring all involved parties to justice and prevent such tragedies in the future