Falae ’s Kidnappers arrested, part of ransom retrieved

There has been a breakthrough in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae, a former minister of Finance and one-time presidential candidate.

According to a report by the Sun Newspaper, five persons connected with the case have been arrested and N800, 000, believed to be part of the N5 million supposedly paid to secure the respected elder’s freedom, was recovered from the suspects.

The newspaper reports that the suspects will be taken to court as soon as the investigative team concludes work on the case.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had mandated the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to find Chief Falae after his kidnap and arrest those responsible.

The Sun, quoting a source, said the suspects in custody are ‘hardened criminals’ and that the motorcycle they used during the kidnapping is now with the police.

The newspaper also confirmed reports that Fulani herdsmen were involved in the kidnap.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, Fa­lae’s kidnap was being handled by the IGP, Solomon Arase. Not surprisingly, operatives of the IGP Special Intelligence Response team who were deployed from Abuja were credited with making the breakthrough in the case.

Falae, a chieftain of the Pan- Yoruba group, Afenifere and National Chairman of the So­cial Democratic Party (SDP), was abducted on Monday, September 21, at his Ilado farm along Igbatoro Road, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.