Akure, Ondo State | January 18, 2026 — A prominent political figure and media operative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s support network has been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ondo State, authorities confirmed.
Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, widely described as the Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team — a media support group for President Tinubu — was seized by armed men on Thursday morning at his office along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to local officials, the assailants arrived in two Toyota Hilux SUVs around 9:00 a.m., forced Owoloemi from his office and drove off with him. His current whereabouts remain unknown and efforts to contact him have so far been unsuccessful.
The Executive Chairman of Ilaje LGA, Honourable Maurice Oripenaye, condemned the attack, describing it as a “flagrant violation of public safety” and “an assault on the peace-loving people” of the community. He appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could impede investigations.
In a statement, Oripenaye said that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and local security networks have been notified and mobilised to locate the abductors and secure Owoloemi’s release. He also urged community leaders and residents to assist with any information that could aid the operation.
Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer Jimoh Abayomi confirmed that an investigation has commenced. He described details as still sketchy but assured that the police have put measures in place to enhance security and protect lives and property in the state.
No ransom demands or statements from the abductors have been made public as of the time of reporting.
