The discovery of Oluwadamilola Adedayo’s remains followed an investigation into her abduction, a N16.2 million ransom payment and a further N50 million demand, with police arresting seven suspects and recovering four AK-47 rifles.
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested seven suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the abduction and murder of Miss Oluwadamilola Adedayo in Kuje, Abuja, following an intelligence-led investigation that culminated in the recovery of her decomposing body from Tukuba Forest.
The operation also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, a locally made revolver pistol, 63 rounds of live ammunition and a mobile phone allegedly used in ransom negotiations.
The arrests followed coordinated operations by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) in Rijana Community, Kaduna State, and Sagbon Lugbe in the Federal Capital Territory. The team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Ogbiede Godfrey, worked with vigilante operatives and other security agencies to track the suspects and investigate their alleged involvement in kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Commander of FID-STS, ACP Godfrey Ogbiede Victor, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja, explaining that the operation was part of the police’s sustained efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating within the FCT and neighbouring states. He said the investigation was pursued in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to intensify the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The case dates back to August 23, 2026, when armed men allegedly invaded a residence at Plot B184, Adedayo Adeosun Street, Kuchiyako, Kuje, at about 12:23 p.m. The attackers reportedly carried out the abduction in what the police described as a commando-style operation, taking Oluwadamilola, her mother, Mrs. Nancy Adedayo, her 12-year-old brother, King David Adedayo, and their housemaid, Jennifer David.
The abduction placed four members of the household in the hands of the gunmen and left the family facing the immediate challenge of securing their safe return. According to the police, Mrs. Nancy Adedayo was released approximately one hour after the incident, allegedly to coordinate the payment of ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
The release of the mother did not, however, bring an end to the ordeal. The housemaid and the 12-year-old boy were reportedly subjected to severe assaults before being abandoned unconscious in a forest. The two victims later regained consciousness and managed to find their way home, while Oluwadamilola remained in captivity.
With their daughter still missing, the family reportedly paid N16.2 million to the kidnappers in the hope of securing her release. Despite the payment, the suspects allegedly demanded an additional N50 million, prolonging the family’s uncertainty over Oluwadamilola’s fate.
The police investigation would later establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her remains, although the full details of the alleged murder and the individual roles of the suspects remain subject to investigation. According to preliminary findings disclosed by the police, Oluwadamilola was allegedly murdered after resisting an attempt by members of the gang to sexually molest her.
On October 19, 2026, investigators led by ACP Victor Ogbiede Godfrey proceeded to the suspected hideout in Tukuba Forest, Kuje, where they recovered her decomposing body. The remains were subsequently evacuated to a hospital mortuary for preservation and possible autopsy to support further investigations into the circumstances of her death.
The discovery of the body marked a significant development in the case, as operatives moved from investigating the abduction and ransom demands to establishing the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and gathering evidence against those suspected of involvement.
The breakthrough followed a petition endorsed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Secretariat on October 15, 2026. Acting on the petition, FID-STS operatives began an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying the alleged perpetrators, tracing their movements and uncovering evidence that could establish their links to the crime.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects at Rijana Community in Kaduna State. Five additional suspects were subsequently apprehended at Sagbon Lugbe in the FCT during a coordinated operation involving police operatives, vigilante personnel and other security agencies.
The arrests in the two locations formed part of the effort to identify and apprehend members of the suspected syndicate operating across state boundaries. Investigators are continuing to examine the relationships among the suspects and determine the extent of their alleged participation in the abduction, ransom negotiations and murder.
The seven suspects were identified as Ishaka Abdullahi, also known as Langalanga, 27; Abdullahi Dabo, 42; Abubakar Jibrin, also known as Mai-Laya, 20; Barahu Ibrahim, also known as Black, 24; Sani Mohammed, 24; Alidu Lawal, also known as De Jaguar, 18; and Yakubu Abubakar, also known as Soldier, 28. The police said the suspects reportedly originate from Kaduna, Bauchi, Katsina, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
Investigators also uncovered an alleged connection between the syndicate and the abduction of a businessman, Mr. John Monday Ali, an indigene of Benue State, who was kidnapped in Kuje on September 24, 2026.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly collected N3 million in ransom from Ali’s family, alongside recharge cards valued at N100,000, before releasing him. The case is among the incidents being examined as investigators seek to establish whether the suspects were involved in other kidnappings and violent crimes within the FCT and neighbouring states.
The alleged connection between the two abductions has widened the scope of the investigation, with the police seeking to determine whether the same network was responsible for a series of operations and whether additional victims or accomplices may be identified.
During the arrests and subsequent investigation, operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally made revolver pistol and 63 rounds of live ammunition. A mobile phone allegedly used in ransom negotiations was also recovered.
The weapons and ammunition are among the items being examined as part of the investigation. The police are also expected to analyse the recovered phone for information relevant to the ransom negotiations and communications allegedly linked to the suspects, subject to the necessary investigative procedures.
The Commander of FID-STS said investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and determine whether other criminal incidents could be linked to the suspects. He added that efforts were being intensified to apprehend other alleged members of the gang who remained at large and recover additional weapons.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station, stressing the importance of public cooperation in preventing and investigating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The operation forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s broader effort to tackle kidnapping networks through intelligence gathering, coordinated deployments and collaboration with other security personnel. In this case, investigators followed up on a petition, pursued leads across Kaduna State and the FCT, arrested seven suspects and recovered the victim’s remains from a forest in Kuje.
While the arrests represent a development in the investigation, the police have yet to conclude their inquiries into the full circumstances of Oluwadamilola’s death and the alleged roles of each suspect. Investigators are also working to apprehend other fleeing suspects and establish whether further evidence can connect the group to additional crimes.
For Oluwadamilola’s family, the discovery of her remains brings a devastating end to the period of uncertainty that followed her abduction. The reported payment of N16.2 million and the subsequent demand for another N50 million underscore the financial pressure and emotional anguish families can face when negotiating with kidnappers.
The police say the investigation will continue until the activities of the suspected syndicate are fully established and those found responsible are brought before the law.
