In Lagos, detectives have intensified their crackdown on kidnappers, leading to several significant arrests. A major breakthrough was achieved in Ajah, a Lagos suburb, following the recent elimination of nine notorious kidnappers in the city.
The incident began months ago when a prominent oil businessman was abducted on Ado Road in Ajah. The kidnappers, armed and violent, took him by flying boat through the waterways to the remote creeks of Ondo State. Despite his attempt to escape by jumping into the river, the kidnappers recaptured him and transported him to their hideout in Ikorodu, Lagos. They only allowed him to contact his family on the third day, demanding a ransom of N200 million.
The family managed to gather N42 million, which was converted into 30,000 U.S. dollars and an additional N100,000. However, the kidnappers insisted that the ransom be delivered by the victim’s wife, despite her being heavily pregnant and nearing her delivery date.
Following their instructions, the wife, accompanied by a driver, traveled from their home in Ajah and was directed by phone to various locations, including Ore, Sagamu, and back to Ajah, totaling over 334 kilometers. Eventually, they were directed to Odogbolu in Ogun State, where the ransom was dropped after a strenuous journey.
Upon returning to Ajah, the victim was found safe, having been released near a riverside area in Epe. He reported that his abductors had stolen a gold necklace valued at N25 million, a gold bracelet worth N11.8 million, and two gold rings worth N3.4 million.
Following the kidnapping, the victim’s family reported the case, but the police were not initially involved in the ransom negotiations. Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade directed his team, led by CSP Kehinde Oni, to investigate the crime. They used a combination of technical and human intelligence to track the suspects.
In a successful operation, three kidnappers—Adelaja Ikuesan, 37, Tosin Oke, 40, and Oluwabunmi Yusuf, 39—were arrested in their hideout after the ransom was collected. During their confession, they described how the kidnapping was planned and executed. Ikuesan, a professional speedboat driver, revealed their previous involvement in illegal activities such as bunkering.
Oke, also known as Old Soldier, admitted to using his share of the ransom to address personal issues and construct a mansion in Badagry, though he claimed it was funded jointly with family members. He expressed regret for his actions, attributing his involvement to unspecified external influences.
The suspects are now facing legal action as the police continue their investigation into the case.
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