The Ogun State Police Command on Friday announced the arrest of a seven-man kidnap gang alleged to have been terrorizing motorists and travelers along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
According to the Command, the gang is believed to be responsible for the multiple kidnappings that have occurred on the road between May and September 2024.
Parading the suspects, the police gave their names as Azeez Abolaji Alese, who they identified as the gang leader. Others are Onokrese Jacob, Henry Gaga Emmanuel, Joseph Udomah, Abiola Oduyemi, Abbey Emmanuel, and Jimoh Kareem.
Addressing the press, the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu stated that the arrests of the criminals was facilitated by investigations.
He said the anti-kidnapping unit’s investigation led to the arrest of the gang after they received a tip on October 3.
The Commissioner stated that tip resulted in the arrest of Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, and the subsequent capture of other gang members.
“On 16th May 2024, at about 20:28 hrs, this vicious syndicate led by Azeez Abolaji Alese attacked a woman named Busari Abiola while she was trying to drive into her premises in Sagamu. She was kidnapped and driven away in her unregistered 2009 ash-colored Corolla. The kidnappers later released her, taking only the vehicle,” Alamutu said.
He also alleged that the gang abducted one Adebayo Olabisi on May 17 at Irewon, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. They whisked her away in her white Highlander Jeep with registration number BDG 125 HZ.
“On June 2, they reportedly kidnapped Omosehin Tanwa at Itamogiri, Ijebu Mushin. This was followed by the abduction of Segun Adebanjo on July 14.
“The final known kidnapping occurred on September 5, when the gang reportedly kidnapped Uruakpa Elizabeth, a nurse at Babcock University. She was kidnapped at gunpoint upon her return from work.
Alamutu noted that during the investigation, Oduyemi was found with items belonging to Elizabeth. Which included a branded key holder from Babcock University and a shuttle bag.
The CP, maintained that Alese has orchestrated numerous kidnapping incidents, extorting ransoms before releasing his victims.
According to him, Alese, a repeat offender, was first arrested in January 2016 for the kidnapping of an expatriate along the Sagamu-Ogijo Road. He currently has a case pending in court. He was also arrested by Oyo State Police in August 2022 for kidnapping in Ibadan, with an ongoing case in the High Court there. Despite being released on bail in April 2024, he reportedly re-formed a gang and resumed his criminal activities. Beginning with an abduction on May 16.
“Further investigation also revealed the specific roles played by other gang members. Udoma, one of the suspects, allegedly provided information on potential victims. He was previously involved in the kidnapping of a journalist in Ijebu-Ode in 2023. Where he sustained bullet injuries during a police rescue attempt.
“Emmanuel was allegedly caught with a Browning pistol reportedly used in several of the gang’s kidnappings and robberies. Rasheed Salami and Jimoh Kareem, identified as the group’s armourers, were reportedly responsible for obtaining pistols and ammunition. They were also responsible for arranging sales of stolen vehicles to Niger Republic. Ogunbanwo, another gang member, was in charge of providing food for kidnapped victims held in captivity in Ososa Forest.
“Exhibits recovered during the operation included a Browning pistol, and a Helmet Jeep with registration number AYT 88 MS. Also recovered was a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 406 JL, school bags, lunch bags, and a Babcock University key holder,” the CP said.
source: PUNCH
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