Family of slain Oyo hotelier denies reports of his brother being arrested in connection with his kidnap and murder

The family of the hotelier who was killed by kidnappers last week, Mr. Gbenga Owolabi has dismissed reports claiming one of his brothers has been arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of the businessman.

The family made this known while reacting to a rumor that a member of the family, Femi Owolabi, has been arrested.

The Late Owolabi and one of his staff, Miss Opadele Rachael Abiola, a final year student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso were kidnapped at Abaa area in Ogbomoso town on Thursday, July 28. They were later killed by their abductors after a sum of N5m was paid as ransom.

Over the weekend, the rumor of the arrest of a man named Femi Owolabi, who is said to be the immediate younger brother of the hotelier went viral on the social media.

Reacting to the rumor, the older of the deceased, Ayo Owolabi, said that such rumor was an attempt to divert the attention of the public. He stressed that none of their family members bear such name as Femi Owolabi.

He added that no family member was arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of his brother, Gbenga.

“You can tell that to the marines”.

Another close relative of the family who asked not to be named added that the story was planted to divert attention.

“I believe the story of the arrest was planted to divert attention from the real culprits”.

When contacted by LIB, the spokespersons of the Oyo state police command, SP Adewale Osifeso, said an investigation is ongoing and that updates will be provided soon.