Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Prof. Femi Olaofe, a beloved former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU). The 79-year-old was abducted from his residence in Ado-Ekiti on July 9, 2024, and his lifeless body was later discovered in the hideout of his captors.
The chilling incident unfolded when an armed gang invaded Olaofe’s home in the Federal Housing Estate, Ado-Ekiti. The assailants abducted both Olaofe and his security guard, Abdul Opotu, driving them away in Olaofe’s own vehicle.
In response to the alarming reports of the abduction, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was dispatched, but unfortunately, they arrived too late to intervene. However, the RRS managed to recover Olaofe’s vehicle between Ado-Ekiti and Afao-Ekiti.
Following a thorough investigation ordered by the state police commissioner, CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, authorities apprehended one suspect, Omowaye Ayodele, also known as A.Y, at Bencom Guest House in Akure, Ondo State. During police questioning, Ayodele confessed to his role in the kidnapping and named his accomplices, including Kenneth, Amodu Gbenga, known as Toro; Nnamani Chukwuka, aka Amechi; and Ojо, also referred to as Ojo Ijan.
Ayodele disclosed that Opotu, the security guard, was complicit in the crime, revealing that he was not a victim but an active participant. The gang was reportedly armed with two AK-47 rifles, one of which remained in the possession of Kenneth.
Police have detained Amodu Gbenga, who further confessed and disclosed the gang’s hideouts located behind Government College in Ado-Ekiti. However, by the time authorities arrived at those locations, the suspects had already fled.
A significant breakthrough occurred on July 30, 2024, when a shallow grave was uncovered off Afao Road. The following day, on July 31, authorities exhumed the body, which was confirmed to be that of Prof. Olaofe. The remains have since been sent to the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Morgue for an autopsy.