Kidnappers free slain Kwara monarch’s wife, 13 suspects nabbed
The Kwara State Police Command has officially confirmed the release of Olori Iyabo Aremu, the wife of the late Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, alongside her maid, identified as Feranmi. The two were abducted following the tragic murder of the monarch by unidentified gunmen last Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, on Tuesday, it was disclosed that the release of the monarch’s wife and her maid occurred on Monday night. Additionally, the statement mentioned the arrest of 13 suspects by the police during the rescue operation.
"The Kwara State Police Command wishes to provide an update to the citizens on the case regarding the assassination of the Olukoro of Koro Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, who was brutally murdered in his palace on February 1, 2024.
During the investigation, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, sanctioned the deployment of a police chopper for aerial surveillance to aid in combing the forested area between Kwara and Ekiti states.
A joint operation involving the police, military, DSS, as well as vigilantes and hunters, tirelessly combed the forest, resulting in the successful rescue of the late monarch's wife and one other individual at approximately 22:30hours on February 5, 2024. Both rescued kidnap victims have been safely reunited with their families.
Furthermore, the operation led to the apprehension of 13 male suspects who are currently in custody undergoing intensive interrogation to facilitate the capture of other members of the gang still at large.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous act face the full force of the law. He also urges the public to remain calm and vigilant as they carry on with their daily activities."
It was reported that the assailants fatally shot Oba Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, in his palace on Thursday night while abducting his wife and another woman. It was also reported that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million from the monarch's family, which was later negotiated down to N40 million for the release of the captives.
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