Jelili Gbadamosi
A commercial motorcyclist engaged to transport a three-year-old girl to and from school in Delta State has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping the child and extorting a ₦500,000 ransom from her family.
The suspect, identified as Kelvin Ogaga, was arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command following an intelligence-led operation that led to the rescue of the toddler.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed on Thursday that the child’s parents had hired Ogaga to convey their daughter to school for a monthly fee of ₦10,000.
According to Edafe, the suspect faithfully carried out the assignment for about three weeks before allegedly abducting the girl instead of taking her to school.
To avoid being traced, Ogaga reportedly switched off his personal phone and contacted the family with another number, initially demanding ₦2 million for the child’s release.
Despite threats that the child would be killed if the police were alerted, the family reported the incident to security authorities.
The kidnappers later reduced their demand to ₦500,000, which the family paid before the girl was released unharmed.
Following the payment, police operatives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of part of the ransom money.
During interrogation, Ogaga allegedly confessed to the crime, claiming he was lured into kidnapping by financial hardship and the influence of a friend identified as “Omo.”
He also alleged that his girlfriend was aware of the abduction plan.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other accomplices connected to the crime.
Edafe, while confirming that the child had been safely reunited with her family, advised parents and guardians to thoroughly verify the backgrounds of individuals entrusted with the care and transportation of their children.
“The good part is that the child is safe, the suspect has been arrested, and part of the ransom money has been recovered,” the police spokesperson said.
