Police uncover kidnappers’ torture pit, weapons cache in Ondo

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Ondo State, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have uncovered a suspected torture chamber and cache of weapons in Epinmi Akoko.

According to a press release issued by the Ondo State Police Command and signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, two suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation in the early hours of Tuesday, 18th June 2025.

One of the suspects, Arohunmolase Idowu, aged 25, was initially apprehended by members of the Epinmi Vigilante Group at about 12:30 a.m. for loitering suspiciously and failing to explain his movement. The arrest subsequently led security agents to a concealed building deep within the forest, believed to be a base for criminal activity.

A search of the site revealed a disturbing cache of weapons and tools, including:

Two locally-made dane guns

Four cutlasses

Four axes

Assorted charms

Other dangerous objects


Most troubling was the discovery of a deep pit within the structure, strongly suspected to have been used to detain kidnapped victims. Police authorities believe the location may have served as a holding facility, pending ransom negotiations.

The suspects and the recovered items have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command, and further investigations are ongoing. Police have promised to release additional updates as more details emerge.

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities. The Ondo State Police Command can be contacted via:

Telephone: 07032358284

X (Twitter): @OndoPoliceNg

Instagram: @OndoPoliceCommand

Facebook: Ondo Police Command

Email: ondopolice@gmail.com