The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a kidnappers’ den disguised as a shrine in the Idimu area of Lagos, leading to the arrest of no fewer than 13 suspects linked to a notorious “one-chance” and kidnapping syndicate operating within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this on Wednesday while leading journalists on a tour of the premises located along Pipeline Road, Idimu. He said the arrests followed intelligence led stop-and-search operations carried out by police operatives in the early hours of Sunday.
According to the CP, three suspects were initially intercepted at Bode Thomas in the Surulere area while operating a vehicle allegedly used to pick up unsuspecting members of the public, especially at night and in the early hours of the morning. The arrest of the trio subsequently led police operatives to the shrine, which served as the gang’s operational base.
Jimoh explained that the syndicate lured victims under the guise of selling foreign currency or fake investment schemes that promised to double their money. Victims who cooperated were defrauded and released, while those who resisted were taken to the shrine, locked inside a room and later subjected to ransom demands.
The police boss revealed that the gang was allegedly led by one Demola Adelua, who had been operating for over eight years and coordinated about six operational teams across Lagos State. He added that the criminals often targeted worshippers heading to mosques and churches early in the morning, exploiting limited movement and reduced police presence at such hours.
Following the discovery of the shrine, police operatives raided surrounding areas and arrested additional members of the syndicate. Weapons used for criminal activities were also recovered. The gang reportedly operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, some of which are still being tracked.
Several suspects admitted their involvement, with some confessing that victims were sometimes fully kidnapped when they refused to cooperate. Jimoh assured residents that the command was intensifying efforts to dismantle the entire network and strengthen security across the state through enhanced deployment of tactical teams.
