Two members of a kidnap syndicate terrorizing Ijebu-Ode and its environ have been apprehended by Operatives of Ogun State Police Command.
A statement from DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday confirmed their arrest.
He stated that the suspects, Samuel Oke Abiodun, 46 years and Denis Blessing, 28 years were arrested following series of kidnap cases in Ijebu-Ode, consequent upon which the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, gave a marching order to all the DPOs in Ijebu-Ode to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act within the shortest possible time.
Adding that in compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO Igbeba Division, CSP Musiliu Doga and his crack detectives embarked on a technical and intelligence based investigation which subsequently led to the arrest of Denis Blessing on December 8th, 2021 in his house at Ijebu-Ode.
He said: His arrest and confession led to the apprehension of Samuel Oke Abiodun in his hideout also at Ijebu-ode.
“On interrogation, the two suspects confessed to having participated in four different kidnap operations in Ijebu-Ode.
“They confessed to being part of a syndicate that kidnapped Alhaja Salam Mojisola on the 6th of December, 2021 at the entrance of her house situated at Akinsanya Street Mobalufon Ijebu-Ode.
“They also confessed to the kidnapping of Mrs. Olaitan Daodu on the 26th of January 2021. Also, Mrs. Abimbola Bolanle Lateefat, the Deputy Director I.C.T Department at Tai Solarin University of Education was also kidnapped by the gang on the 20th of May 2021. They also participated in kidnapping Mrs. Adegoke along Atan-Ijebu road.
“According to the duo, their own assignment is to scout around, identify and monitor their would-be victim from their business places to their houses, and inform other members of the gang who will then block the victim mostly at the entrance of their houses and abduct such person.
“The Toyota Camry with registration number GGE 200 FN which is their operational vehicle has also been recovered.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole who commended the resilience of his men in smashing the syndicate has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the anti-kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation.
“The CP also directed a massive manhunt for remaining members of the syndicate with the view to bring them to justice. He also assured the good people of Ogun State of police readiness to fish out any criminal hibernating within the state.”
