Lagos police nab five-member kidnapping gang
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Lagos State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and armed robbery with the arrest of five suspected members of a notorious gang that terrorized travelers along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The suspects, identified as Isaiah Ajiri, 28, Onyeka Dikadi, 43, Cletus Samuel, 23, Lasila Ewere, 19, and Ifeanyi Adaeze, 44, were apprehended following a coordinated operation by the Police Tactical Team.
According to the police, the suspects kidnapped two victims, Chukwuma Joy and Okuleye Ikechukwu, and collected ransoms of N36 million and N20 million, respectively.
The gang’s modus operandi involved waylaying travelers on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where they would rob them of their valuables and kidnap those deemed to have deep pockets.
The police investigation revealed that the suspects were also linked to armed robbery operations, during which they stole a Lexus 350 SUV and a Mercedes Benz GL43.
These vehicles were allegedly used in the commission of their nefarious activities.
The suspects have been charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy, and are facing six counts before the Ogba Magistrate Court. The court ordered their remand in custody pending the outcome of the Director of Public Prosecution’s advice.
The police operation was led by SP Banti Adamu, who led the tactical team that tracked the suspects to their hideouts and apprehended them. The team’s diligence and professionalism have been commended by the police high command.
The case will proceed based on the DPP’s advice, which will determine whether the matter will be transferred to the High Court. If convicted, the suspects face a long jail term, given the severity of the charges against them.
The police command has assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that perpetrators of crime face the full wrath of the law.
The arrest and prosecution of the suspects have brought relief to the public, who have been living in fear of kidnappers and armed robbers.
