The Ekiti State Police Command has apprehended six suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder of Professor Femi Olaofe, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU).
The arrest follows a distress call received on July 9, 2024, when an armed gang abducted Professor Olaofe and his security guard, Abdul Opotu, from the professor’s residence at 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate, Ado-Ekiti. The gang fled with the victims in Professor Olaofe’s Toyota Camry, which was later recovered in a forest between Ado-Ekiti and Afao-Ekiti.
DSP Sunday Abutu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was immediately dispatched, but the perpetrators had already escaped. Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Adeniran, ordered a comprehensive investigation, leading to the arrest of Omowaye Ayodele, also known as A.Y, at Bencom Guest House in Akure, Ondo State.
Ayodele confessed to his involvement and named several accomplices, including Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga (a.k.a Toro), Nnamani Chukwuka (a.k.a Amechi), and Ojo (a.k.a Ojo Ijan). During questioning, Ayodele revealed that security guard Abdul Opotu had orchestrated the kidnapping, aiding the gang’s operation.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Amodu Gbenga, who admitted to supplying food and water to the gang at their hideout behind Government College, Off Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti. However, by the time police reached the hideout, the victim had already been moved.
On July 30, 2024, police discovered a shallow grave in a bush off Afao Road, behind the new airport site in Ado-Ekiti. The body, exhumed the following day with assistance from the Ministry of Environment and medical practitioners, was identified as Professor Femi Olaofe. The corpse is now at the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Morgue for autopsy.
Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining gang members, including the mastermind, Abdul Opotu, while the six arrested suspects remain in custody and are undergoing further investigation.
