THE abduction of three pupils of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School (BMJSS) in Ikorodu, Lagos, last March echoed yesterday, with the police parade of the suspected mastermind.
Felix Silva, 38, said the gang collected N5.6million ransom to release the girls. He said he was into illegal oil bunkering before taking to kidnapping.
He was paraded with Taye Videgnion, 28, Adebowale Johnson, 39, Oluwadara Segun and Loko Amos alias Mosquito, 26, who allegedly kidnapped a Chinese, Hang Kumming, some weeks ago.
Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, who paraded them, said 14 persons, including the five suspects were arrested in the last two weeks for armed robbery and kidnapping.
He said 10,042 of his men, including 2,075 inspectors, 7417 sergeants and 550 constables were among those promoted recently by the Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase.
Silva said: “We demanded N5.4million but I learnt we were given N5.6million. I got my N300,000 share. The kidnap of the schoolgirls was my first operation. I was lured into kidnapping because of poverty. I used to live in Calabar (Cross River State), with my wife and two boys where I engaged in oil bunkering.
“But because of the heavy presence of soldiers and security men in the area, we could not continue the business and were chased out. I came to Lagos with my wife and eldest son to try my luck.
“We went to Babington School to kidnap the girls around 8pm that day. We did not want to kill anyone. Madam Eze saw us, but we did not want to kill her. We saw the three pupils and took them and drove through the bush path. We didn’t intend to kill them, all we are after is to collect money.
“I have carried out three kidnappings. I did one at Dangote side and the school girls. I have never killed anyone before in my life neither have I robbed anyone. All I do is kidnapping.
“My wife and son were also kidnapped by my gang. I was really affected with their sudden kidnap. We are seven in number.
“I was arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at a hotel in Majidun, Ikorodu while I was with my girlfriend. I regret my actions and I am ashamed of myself.”
Giving a breakdown of the arrest, Owoseni said: “We arrested some criminals including Silva. He led the Babington Macaulay schools girls kidnapping in March. We also nabbed the leader of Ipaja kidnapping. On Sunday, Badoo, a suspected serial rapist in Ibeshe, Ikorodu was arrested with the help of members of the community. We assure you we will ensure in-depth prosecution.
“We have arrested about six fake policemen recently clad in police uniforms. They are Samuel Andrew, 38, Richard Ugwu, 34, Daniel Osaimayn, Sulaiman Mohammed (Sergeant) and Michael Adeoya, 53. We also arrested a man, who usually flogged policemen on duty. His name is Lucky Onofia and he has been arraigned for public harassment.
“Various operations carried out since our last briefing have led to the arrest of 10 armed robbery and six kidnapping suspects. In the course of operation, two armed robbers lost their lives in gun duel.
“A total of 36 ammunitions were recovered and nine auto vehicles were recovered. The command will not relent in its power. We will continue to fight injustice and also rely on information and support of the people of Lagos.
“One of the efforts we have been making is in eradicating misconduct of police personnel. We always read messages and calls from public over alleged misconduct of our operatives and we investigate them. Most of these cases are usually dismissed policemen or impostors. An example is a dismissed policeman, who served in Oyo State, but still parades himself as a policeman in Lagos and was arrested.”