The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old ex-convict, Abolaji Alese, along with six others for alleged armed robbery and the kidnapping of travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode route.
The other suspects include Onokrese Jacob (34), Henry Emmanuel (34), Joseph Udomah (42), Abiola Oduyemi (41), Abbey Emmanuel (34), and Jimoh Kareem (39).
At the Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Friday, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, revealed that the suspects were involved in the abduction of seven people between May and September 2024.
Alamutu disclosed that Alese, the gang leader, was previously arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in August 2022 for kidnapping two women in Ibadan and faces ongoing charges in the High Court there.
A breakthrough in the investigation came with the arrest of suspect Abiola Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, which led to the apprehension of the remaining gang members.
Alamutu detailed the gang’s recent activities, starting with the abduction of a woman, Busari Abiola, on May 16, 2024, in Sagamu. She was taken along with her unregistered 2009 Corolla, which the kidnappers later retained.
The Commissioner recounted other incidents, including the abduction of Adebayo Olabisi on May 17 in Ijebu Ode, where the gang took her Highlander Jeep, and the kidnapping of Omosehin Tanwa on June 2 in Ijebu Mushin. On July 14, Segun Adebanjo was also abducted in his Toyota Camry, and on September 5, nurse Uruakpa Elizabeth from Babcock University was taken at her residence in her Toyota Camry.
Following Oduyemi’s arrest on October 3, he reportedly confessed to his role in the kidnappings, providing critical information that led to further arrests.
Police confirmed that Alese, initially apprehended in 2016 for a separate kidnapping incident, was out on bail as of April 2024 but resumed criminal activities shortly after.
Recovered items include a browning pistol, a Jeep registered as AYT88MS, a Toyota Camry registered as KTU406JL, school bags, lunch boxes, a Babcock University key holder, and charms.
Alamutu assured that investigations have concluded and that the suspects would soon face prosecution. He urged the public to plan their journeys carefully and exercise vigilance when traveling.
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