The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a notorious fraud and kidnapping syndicate operating under the guise of “one-chance” robbery, following the arrest of 13 suspects and discovery of their operational base in Alimosho.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, broke the news to reporters at the gang’s base at No. 85 Pipeline Road, Pipeline, Alimosho Local Government Area.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) officials who visited the location placed a contravention notice on the property.
According to the police boss, the syndicate specialised in luring unsuspecting victims with fake business deals and foreign currency doubling, before abducting and extorting them when they refused to cooperate.
Jimoh explained that the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led operations and the interception of three members of the gang in the early hours of Monday at Bode Thomas, Surulere.
“The suspects arrested yesterday were the field operators sent out to pick victims. During interrogation, they led us to this location, which serves as their operational base,” he said.
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Investigations revealed that the syndicate, led by one Demola Ade-Lua, operated with at least six coordinated teams across Lagos, using multiple vehicles including a Toyota Sienna and other branded cars.
“They operate as fraudsters first. If a victim cooperates and releases money under the pretext of buying dollars or investing to double their funds, the person is released. But if the victim resists or suspects fraud, they detain the person here and call the family, claiming the victim has been kidnapped,” the CP stated.
He added that the gang deliberately targeted people travelling early in the morning or late at night, particularly worshippers returning from mosques and churches.
Shrine-like detention room, weapons recovered.
At the premises, police discovered a small room described as a “shrine-like” confinement area where victims were held. Items recovered include weapons such as cutlasses, stones and other objects used to intimidate and assault victims, as well as piles of clothing believed to belong to past victims.
“These are not heavily armed criminals, but they use crude weapons to overpower and threaten their victims,” Jimoh said, adding that forensic and scientific investigations were ongoing to link the items recovered to reported crimes.
Among those arrested were Rotimi Adeluola, an indigene of Ogun State, and Samuel Ogbonna from Abonema in Rivers State, identified by police as the occupant of the premises.
Also in custody is a 60-year-old man, Emmanuel Njoku, from Abia State, who confessed to driving operational vehicles and picking up victims around the Bode Thomas area of Surulere for about eight years.
A female suspect, Tina Willi from Akwa Ibom State, was also arrested. She claimed she was not a regular member of the gang.
Ogbonna confessed to collecting between N100,000 and N200,000 from victims, while others admitted participating in the movement and detention of victims over several years.
One of the suspects, Njoku, said he had been involved in the operation for about eight years, claiming ignorance of the total number of victims.
Jimoh disclosed that further operations led to the arrest of 10 additional suspects, bringing the total number in custody to 13.
Police are also searching for five more vehicles allegedly used by the gang.
He noted that the success was a result of newly created stop-and-search points and undercover tactical squads stationed at strategic entry and exit points in Lagos.
“We are determined to flush out all remnants of this syndicate and others like them, including criminals coming in from neighbouring states,” he said.
The police commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, advising them to avoid boarding vehicles with suspicious occupants and to take note of number plates.
“You must be your own first line of defence. Don’t be in a hurry. Ask questions. If you are not interested, say no and walk away,” he warned.
He also called on residents to report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods, assuring that informants’ identities would be protected.
Jimoh announced plans to roll out a new Anti-Crime Patrol and Community Protection Unit, which would complement the Eco-Strike Force and Rapid Response Squad (RRS). The unit would operate round-the-clock across 10 identified locations, including waterfronts, following approval by the Inspector-General of Police.
“We are starting the year on a strong note. Lagosians can go about their lawful businesses without fear. Full deployment has been carried out across the state,” he assured.
The police also confirmed that the owner of the property was under investigation and would be handed over to relevant government agencies for sanctions.
Investigations continued, and the suspects were expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of police inquiries, he added.
