Ogun state Police command declares war against kidnappers , Robbers, arrests seven

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old former convict, Abolaji Alese, along with six others on charges of armed robbery.

The suspects are also implicated in the abduction of travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode route in the state.

The suspects include :Onokrese Jacob (34), Henry Emmanuel (34), Joseph Udomah (42), Abiola Oduyemi (41), Abbey Emmanuel (34), and Jimoh Kareem (39).

During a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu disclosed that the group was connected to the kidnapping of seven individuals from May to September 2024.

Alese, identified as the gang leader, had previously been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command on August 28, 2022, for kidnapping two women in Ibadan and is currently facing charges in the High Court there.

The commissioner told newsmen that ongoing investigations into kidnapping reports led to the arrest of Abiola Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, which then facilitated the capture of the other suspects.

Alamutu recounted several incidents involving the gang, including the kidnapping of Busari Abiola on May 16, 2024, and Adebayo Olabisi the following day, during which the victims were taken away in their vehicles. The same gang was also involved in the abduction of Omosehin Tanwa on June 2, 2024, and another victim, Segun Adebanjo, on July 14, 2024.

The final kidnapping occurred on September 5, 2024, when they targeted a nurse named Uruakpa Elizabeth. Following Oduyemi’s arrest on October 3, 2024, he confessed to his involvement in the kidnappings and provided key information leading to the arrest of his accomplices.

Alamutu noted that Alese had been previously arrested on January 14, 2016, for kidnapping an expatriate along the Sagamu-Ogijo Road and faced ongoing charges in court. Released on bail on April 26, 2024, Alese reformed a gang and resumed his criminal activities shortly thereafter.

Recovered items from the suspects include a Browning pistol, a helmeted jeep with registration AYT88MS, a Toyota Camry with registration KTU406JL, as well as various personal belongings and criminal charms.

The commissioner confirmed that the investigation has concluded, and the suspects will soon face prosecution.

He urged the public to remain vigilant while traveling .