The Ondo State Police Command has denied claims made by Mr. Eniola Ojajuni, the National Youth Leader of the Afenifere group. Ojajuni had accused four traditional rulers in Akoko of working with kidnappers and said the police never questioned him after he was reportedly released from captivity.
On Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said Ojajuni’s story was “serious but misleading.” He explained that police investigations found no real proof that Ojajuni was ever kidnapped.
“Mr. Ojajuni was not kidnapped or released by any known kidnappers in Ondo State,” the police said. “Still, we worked hard with other security agencies to make sure he returned safely, even though his story didn’t add up.”
The police also said that Ojajuni’s wife and brothers gave statements that didn’t match his version of events. They claimed Ojajuni ignored several invitations to come in and explain what happened, which made it harder to investigate.
They referred to a video shared online during the alleged kidnapping. According to the police, the video didn’t look like something real kidnappers would make. “Kidnappers usually don’t have smartphones or post videos of their victims,” they noted.
The police warned people not to spread false stories and reminded the public that real investigations don’t happen on social media. “We must follow the law,” Olushola said. He added that anyone who spreads false information or blocks investigations would be punished, no matter who they are.
The police also asked the people of Ondo State to work with security agencies and promised to keep doing their best to protect lives and maintain peace.
Ojajuni Fires Back
In response, Prince Eniola Ojajuni denied the police’s version. He said he was never invited for questioning by the police — not in person, not in writing, and not through anyone else.
“I challenge them to show proof that they invited me,” he said in a statement on Tuesday evening. “I’ve never received any message or letter from them.”
Ojajuni said he was rescued by Ondo State Forest Guards while his wife and brother were present. He added that another victim, a man from Jos, was released at the same time after ransom money was paid into his wife’s account and sent to the kidnappers.
He also said his wife reported the case to the Ijede Police Station in Lagos, and Pastor Omoleyin and Mr. Dele followed up with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Ondo State. He mentioned that the DSS (Department of State Services) was also informed.
Ojajuni accused the police of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public. He described their statement as “irresponsible and worrying.”
He called on the Inspector-General of Police to step in and make sure the case is handled with honesty and fairness.
“I will keep speaking up for the safety of our people and make sure justice is done,” he said.
