The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that eight individuals suspected of kidnapping children and teachers of the Apostolic Faith School in Emure-Ekiti have been arrested. The command said the suspects are being investigated and will be charged in court as soon as the investigation is complete.

The police commissioner, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, announced that one of the gang members was killed during a shootout with police, and the remaining seven were taken into custody. Mr. Akinwale spoke to reporters at the police headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

The police commissioner added that the gang had also been linked to the abduction of the APC chairman, Hon. Paul Omotoso, in 2023. He noted that the gang was known for engaging in a variety of criminal activities and was considered a serious threat to public safety.

The CP said, “Initial investigation revealed that Sumo Karami, and his gang members were responsible for the kidnapping of the pupils and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti on January 29.

“The phone used to demand ransom for the release of the pupils and the teachers was recovered from the suspects and efforts intensified led to the arrest of two gang members in Owo forest in Ondo State.

“Many exhibits were recovered from them including one AK-47 assorted rifle, one pump action gun loaded with five lives cartridges, 21 AK-47 live ammunition, among others.”