The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old ex-convict, Abolaji Alese, and six others for alleged armed robbery and kidnapping of travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode axis of the state. The other suspects are Onokrese Jacob, 34; Henry Emmanuel, 34; Joseph Udomah, 42; Abiola Oduyemi, 41; Abbey Emmanuel, 34; and Jimoh Kareem, 39.
According to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, the suspects were responsible for the kidnap of seven persons between May and September 2024. Alese, the leader of the gang, had previously been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command on August 28th, 2022, for kidnapping two women in Ibadan and is currently facing charges at the High Court, Ibadan.
The police commissioner revealed that Alese had been arrested before on January 14, 2016, for kidnapping an expatriate along Sagamu-Ogijo Road and was released on bail on April 26th, 2024. Instead of changing his ways, Alese formed a new gang and resumed kidnapping operations starting from May 16th, 2024.
The gang’s kidnapping spree began on May 16th, 2024, when they attacked a woman named Busari Abiola while she was driving into her premises in Sagamu. Fortunately, the kidnappers later released her, taking only her vehicle.
The next day, the gang double-crossed another victim, Adebayo Olabisi, in the Irewon area of Ijebu Ode, whisking her away in her white Highlander Jeep.
Barely three weeks later, the gang abducted Omosehin Tanwa from Itamogiri, Ijebu Mushin, taking her to an unknown destination.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Ogun State Command was hot on their trail, but the gang continued their operations, attacking Segun Adebanjo on July 14th, 2024, and taking him away in his red Toyota Camry.
Their final attack occurred on September 5th, 2024, when they gained access to the compound of Uruakpa Elizabeth, a nurse from Babcock University, pointed a gun at her, and took her away in her unregistered red Toyota Camry.
Following a discreet investigation, Abiola Oduyemi was arrested on October 3rd, 2024, and confessed to his involvement in the series of kidnapping cases, providing valuable information that led to the arrest of his accomplices.
Items recovered from the suspects include one browning pistol, one helmet jeep, one Toyota Camry car, two school bags, two lunch boxes, one shuttle bag, one Babcock university key holder, and criminal charms.
Commissioner Alamutu noted that the investigation had been concluded, and the suspects would soon face prosecution in court.
The police commissioner advised members of the public to plan their travels carefully and exercise caution while traveling to avoid falling prey to kidnappers.
