A suspected kidnapper, whose name was not released as at press time, has been arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command after his gang collected a ransom of N666,300 but failed to release their victim.
Spokesperson of the Command and a Chief Superintendent of Police, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
In a statement on Saturday, Odutola said the ringleader of the gang, Gomina Solomon, was on the run.
She said: “The Divisional Police Officer in Igbesa has initiated an investigation into a kidnapping case, with one of the suspected kidnappers already arrested.
“On January 10, 2025, around 10:00 AM, Adegbiyi Joseph from 58 Adekeye Street, Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos State, reported to the police station with his brother. He made narrations of an incident that took place on January 4, 2025, when he went to Iyana Shasi, Lagos State, to visit a friend. While he was waiting by the river, six men suddenly appeared, waylaid him off guard, and he could not determine their exact origin.
“One of the assailants brandished a locally made pistol and a jackknife, forcing him into a boat, which took him to a house in Itekun near Igbesa.
“There, he was held in captivity, beaten, and robbed of his belongings, including his phone.
“During his captivity, two separate transactions totaling two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) and one hundred fifty-six thousand naira (N156,000) were made to a BST POS account.
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“He also reported a withdrawal from his bank account, bringing the total amount taken from him to six hundred sixty-six thousand three hundred naira (N666,300).
“Despite pleading for his release, the kidnappers refused to let him go. He ultimately managed to escape and reached a hospital for treatment.
“The Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to Iteku Village, where the crime occurred, identifying and arresting one suspect who confessed to the crime and mentioned the name of their leader.
“Meanwhile, another suspect, Gamina Solomon, identified as the ringleader, remains at large, along with the other accomplices.
“Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects, and the case will be forwarded to the SCID Eleweran after preliminary investigations.
“Further updates will be provided as they arise.”
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