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Police Uncover Kidnapping Hideout Masquerading as Shrine in Lagos
In a significant breakthrough, the Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a criminal hideout used by a notorious kidnapping syndicate, cleverly disguised as a shrine in the Idimu neighborhood. This operation led to the apprehension of 13 individuals suspected to be involved in the illicit activities.
Details of the Discovery and Arrests
On Wednesday, January 21, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh guided journalists through the premises located on Pipeline Road, Idimu. He revealed that the suspects are linked to a well-known “one-chance” fraud and kidnapping ring that has been terrorizing Lagos State.
The arrests were the result of intelligence-driven stop-and-search missions conducted by police officers in the early hours of Sunday, January 18. Initially, three suspects were intercepted at Bode Thomas in Surulere while traveling in a vehicle reportedly used to abduct unsuspecting victims, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
According to the police commissioner, the gang lures victims by promising lucrative deals such as foreign currency sales or fake investment opportunities that claim to double money quickly. Victims are then taken to the disguised shrine.
“The gang is led by Demola Adelua, who has been orchestrating these crimes for over eight years, managing six operational teams across Lagos,” the CP explained. “If victims comply and fall for the scam, they are released. However, if they resist or become suspicious, they are confined in the shrine and their relatives are contacted to pay ransom.”
Context and Impact on the Community
Commissioner Jimoh emphasized that while Lagos does not experience widespread traditional kidnappings, these “one-chance” fraud groups often escalate to abductions when victims refuse to cooperate. The gang specifically targets early morning worshippers heading to mosques and churches, exploiting the reduced police presence and limited movement during these hours.
“Initially, only two formal complaints were filed, which led us to set up tactical stop-and-search points in the affected areas,” the CP noted. The initial arrests helped police locate the gang’s operational base, where weapons used in their crimes were seized.
Further Police Actions and Gang Operations
Following the discovery of the shrine, police intensified their raids in the vicinity, resulting in the capture of additional gang members, bringing the total number of detainees to 14. The gang reportedly uses at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims from bus stops and other public locations.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Kidnapping in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command continues to strengthen intelligence gathering and community engagement to prevent such criminal activities. Recent statistics from the Nigerian Police Force indicate a 15% decrease in kidnapping cases in Lagos over the past year, attributed to proactive policing and public awareness campaigns.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially during early morning hours, and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly.
