Ogun State Police Command Arrests 7-Man Kidnapping Gang, Recovers Incriminating Evidence
A 42-year-old former convict, Abolaji Alese, and six others have been arrested by the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The suspects, including Onokrese Jacob, Henry Emmanuel, Joseph Udomah, Abiola Oduyemi, Abbey Emmanuel, and Jimoh Kareem, were accused of being responsible for abducting travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode route in the state.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, revealed the findings during a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, where he detailed the gang’s involvement in the kidnapping of seven individuals between May and September 2024.
Alese, identified as the gang’s leader, had previously been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in August 2022 for kidnapping two women in Ibadan and is currently facing charges in the High Court in Ibadan. Prior to his recent arrest, Alese was released on bail in April 2024, but he allegedly restarted his kidnapping activities.
The police investigation, which began in May 2024, led to the arrest of Abiola Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, and the subsequent capture of the other suspects. Alamutu noted that the investigation revealed the gang’s modus operandi, which involved targeting victims, mostly women, and abducting them at various points along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode route.
Alese and his gang allegedly kidnaped seven individuals, taking them to unknown destinations in various vehicles, including a 2009 ash-colored Corolla, a white Highlander Jeep, a red Toyota Camry, and a red unregistered Toyota Camry. The victims were eventually released, but not before their vehicles were taken by the kidnappers.
Recovered items from the suspects include a Browning pistol, a helmet jeep, a Toyota Camry, two school bags, two lunch boxes, a shuttle bag, a key holder from Babcock University, and various criminal charms.
Alamutu emphasized that the case has been completed, and the suspects will soon face trial in court. He also urged the public to plan their journeys meticulously and remain vigilant while traveling.
