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Tag: Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal

  • Police arrest suspected armed, traffic robbers

    …Recover weapons

     

    The Lagos State Police Command Tuesday said it arrested five suspected armed and traffic robbers at different locations.

    The suspects are Godson Mbanugo, Abiodun Oladimeji, Mubara Afeez, 25, Dauda Moruf, 27, and Emmanuel Adeshina.

    According to Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, a black toy gun and one cut to size locally made pistol were recovered from Afeez, Moruf and Adeshina who were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at about 9pm on December 6.

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    He said the police had received information that hoodlums suspected to be traffic robbers were seen at Cement Bus Stop, Ikeja and RRS operatives moved in to the location where the trio were arrested.

    “Similarly on November 17, at about 5pm, information was received from a credible source that some armed men were sighted robbing passers-bye of their valuables in traffic along Iju-Ishaga Road.

    “Police operatives from Pen-Cinema, Ikeja swiftly mobilised to the scene but the robbers fled in different directions when they sighted the police.

    “They were chased and Olamide Bello was arrested. A cut-to-size locally made pistol with one life cartridge was recovered from one of them. Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending other fleeing members of the gang for prosecution.
    “Then, at about 02:30am on December 1, a distress call was received from a compound in Opaleye Street, Shibiri, that armed robbers had invaded their house.

    “On receipt of the information, police operatives from Ajangbadi Division and FSARS, swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested one of the robbers.”

    “He was immediately searched during which a cut to size double barrel gun with seven live and one expended cartridges were recovered.

    “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and gave his name as Godson Mbanugo. Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting other members of the gang for prosecution.”

    Edgal said the police also arrested one Abiodun Oladimeji on November 16 who was allegedly robbing motorists at Apongbon Bridge, adding that they recovered a battle axe, Jack knife from him.

  • Police smash child sale syndicate 

    A syndicate that specialises in stealing and selling children has been uncovered by the police in Lagos.

    Three members of the gang identified as Joy Okoye, 28, Uju Obieze, 40, Ifeyinwa Ezene, 46, were arrested in Lagos, Delta and Anambra States respectively, while their victim, a two-year-old baby was recovered at Enugu State at the residence of one Ifeoma Okoye, said to be deceased.

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    It was gathered the child went missing on May 1 at her parent’s 27, Test Oluwale Street, Olodi Apapa residence.

    The child’s father, Ekene Nwoagbo was said to have filed a complaint on her disappearance at the police station which prompted Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal to direct the Anti-Kidnapping unit to take charge of the case.

    Preliminary investigation, it was gathered, indicted Okoye, a resident of 64, Kirikiri Street, Olodi Apapa who confessed to the crime, adding that she connived with one Amarachi, still at large, to sell.

    Okoye, it was learnt told detectives they sold the kid N300, 000 to Obieze, a resident of 8, Okwe Road, Asaba, Delta State.

    Consequently, the command mobilised detectives to Asaba and Obieze was arrested on September 13 and she allegedly confessed that she bought the baby in collaboration with Ezene of 2, Eze Bishop Street, Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Upon her arrest, Ezene, it was gathered, led the police on September 14, to 40, Amaechi Street off Agbani Road, Enugu, said to be the residence of Okoye, whom they resold the child to.

    Policemen were however told at the address that Okoye died the previous week though the child was recovered from her relatives.

    Confirming the incident, Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) said Okoye’s relatives were mourning her death at the time detectives arrived her home.

    He said: “The little girl has since been reunited with her parents. The suspects will be charged to court on Wednesday.”

  • Police arrest 57 for ‘homosexuality’

    …Suspects deny allegation

     

    The Lagos State Police Command Monday paraded 57 young men arrested for alleged homosexuality.

    They were arrested at the wee hours of Sunday at Kelly Ann Hotel/ Event Centre located at 3-7, Adenrele Street, Egbeda during an alleged initiation into a Gay Club.

    But some of the suspects who spoke to reporters, denied being homosexuals, insisting they were at the hotel for different purposes including wedding, trading and leisure, among others.

    Read Also:SARS: No more human rights abuses, Police vow

    Among those arrested were Prince Collins, 23; Emmanuel Odiza, 25; Ola Rotimi; Miracle Onyeka; Wole Ojo, 24; Daniel Sukari; Wealth Olasunkanmi, 25, and one James.

    Parading the suspects, Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal said the command received intelligence around 12:30am on Sunday that some young men will be initiated into Homosexuals’ Club between 1am and 2am at Kelly Ann Hotel/ Event Centre.

    He said the action contravened Section 1(1) of the Same Sex Marriage Act, 2014, adding that it was based on the information that the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in charge of Shasha and Idimu stormed the location around 2am.

    “On arrival, young men numbering about 80 were met in a hall taking different types of drinks including banned substances like Tramadol, Shisha laced with substances suspected to be Marijuana, etc.

    “As soon as they sighted the police, they ran into different directions but the team arrested 57 of them. Investigation into the case is ongoing.”

    Collins said he was a food vendor in front of the hotel, adding that he was arrested where he plied his trade.

    “I sell food in front of the hotel. When police came they said I am under arrest and I followed them as a law abiding citizen. There were many women in and outside the hotel but they were not arrested. I am innocent,” said Collins.

    Odiza said he was at the hotel to attend a birthday party, claiming he knew nothing about the gay club initiation.

    Rotimi, a student, said he was also at the hotel for a birthday party, wondering why the police did not arrest women who were there.

    Onyeka said he was arrested beside his car, which he used for cab services on the side.

    “I work with AZ Apapa but I also use my car for taxi to get small money. I was arrested just by the side of my car near Barracks Bus Stop. I am married with children. I am innocent.

    Ojo said he was drinking at the hotel’s bar when he was picked up.

    Sukari said: “I stay in Rivers State but came to Lagos for a beauty pageant, Mr Tourism at Lekki. I left there around 6pm. I was heading to Egbeda to lodge in the hotel because I do not stay in Lagos. Because of the closure of Third Mainland Bridge, there was a heavy traffic, so I got to the hotel very late.

    “I was about to lodge when the police team came in. I was asked to lie down which I obeyed because I felt I have done nothing wrong.”

    James said he was at the hotel to perform a dance, adding that that was how he earned his living.

    Olasunkanmi said he was at the hotel for a birthday party, adding that he was invited by a friend, Muyiwa.

    “I went for a birthday party. There were many males and females there. Even Muyiwa that invited me was not arrested. It was a raid. I did nothing wrong. I was piping Shisha, which isn’t a crime. I did not add anything in the Shisha. There was no initiation going on. I think they found the Tramadol in someone’s pocket.”

  • Police destroy ‘OPC shrine’, arrest three suspects 

    Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command Tuesday destroyed a shrine allegedly used by the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) to try suspects.

    The shrine, which was situated under the Opebi Link Bridge, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, was allegedly used by the local vigilante to torture, extort victims.

    Residents and artisans accused the vigilantes of open torture and use of force on victims, adding that they usually opened a case file and dragged an alleged suspect to their shrine.

    Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal who led detectives to the place, said three suspects were apprehended, adding that three Point Of Sales (POS) machines, mobile phones and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) cards were recovered.

    Edgal said: “Officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corp (LNSC) informed the command of suspicious movement of people in and out of the shrine. On the strength of the information, I directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ikeja to investigate.

    “A team of undercover policemen led by the DPO mounted surveillance around the area. So yesterday, officials of LNSC saw a man being dragged into the shrine. They were attracted to the place by the screaming they heard coming from the victim.

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    “They quickly informed the DPO who moved his men to the scene where three persons were arrested and the victim rescued.

    “In as much as we believe in community policing and community partnership, let me sound a note of warning to any group of persons, who may want to take laws into their hands that the command will deal decisively with them.

    “Members of OPC have been helpful to the command in the past. We see them as partners. But as you can see, some group of persons under the guise of OPC have erected an office under the Opebi link bridge, where they conduct trial by ordeal.

    “They also have a shrine here where they take victims to. I believe that they force victims to take oath. We will not tolerate this in any part of the state.

    “Three persons have been arrested. A victim was freed. We are investigating and all those behind this barbaric act will soon be rounded up. When they are arrested they will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

    Continuing, Edgal said those already arrested were being interrogated to unravel why they detained people.
    “As a law abiding citizen, you are only allowed to arrest and after which the suspect is handed over to the police who have the constitutional responsibility to investigate and prosecute.

    “What are POS machines doing inside their office? Investigation has revealed that some robbers go about with POS machines. They make their victims transfer money to their account at gunpoint. We are going to be thorough in our investigation. We will not allow any miscreant run amock in Lagos.

    “I have also ordered that the shrine and the office be demolished,” he said.

  • Police uncover ‘illegal’ blood bank in Lagos, arrest suspect

    For allegedly running an illegal blood bank in Bariga, a 45-year-old man, Paul Achegbulu has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.

    Achegbulu was arrested by a team led by Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal Tuesday after detectives got information that the suspect was draining blood from children in his one-room apartment and selling same to some clinics.

    It was gathered that the police team recovered seven pints of blood from his 18, Kusa Bus Stop, Bariga residence.

    According to residents, trouble started for the suspect on June 10, after he drew two pints of blood from a 17-year-old boy, Ayomide Adesanya, which made the victim to pass out.
    He was said to have also drawn two pints from the same victim on June 4, and on each day, he gave the victim N2, 000.

    Imohimi, who also visited Adesanya at the hospital he was admitted after he passed out, told reporters that the suspect lured underage children with the N2, 000 offer, while he confessed that he sold the blood for N7, 000.

    He said: “Adesanya became weak after donating four pints of blood. He collapsed and is currently receiving treatment at the Bariga Hospital.

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    “The mother told us that the daughter’s friend informed them of Adesanya’s condition after she saw him on a bike.”

    But the suspect said he did not know Adesanya was underage, adding that the victim told him he was 20-year-old.

    “It was when his parents came to confront me that I knew he was 17. He told me he was 20. I am a lab scientist. I was trained five years ago at Nigerian Institute of Laboratory Science Technology.

    “Lab technicians from hospitals used to come and buy blood from me. I used to sell the blood through my assistant, Alfa. He’s the one who knows the hospitals he sold to. I do not know where he is at the moment.”

    Condemning the action, a group, Child Protection Network (CPN) said the blood were collected with a cannula in a stuffy room, where the suspect lived with his nursing wife and their baby.

    The group’s coordinator, Ebenezer Omejalile decried the use of the blood by hospitals, noting that they were neither screened for HIV, Hepatitis or other communicable diseases.

    “Adesanya is currently on blood transfusion at the hospital. He was moved to Somolu General Hospital by his parents and as of 5pm, he was receiving his second pint of blood.

    “We demand the investigation and arrest of all those who have been buying blood from Alfa. The suspect’s family has promised to go all out to pervert justice in this case. The matter was first reported to FSARS men at Gbagada but they did nothing about it.”

  • Woman ‘bathes’ husband hot water for ‘neglecting’ children

    For allegedly abdicating his fatherly duties to his four-children, a man, Ibe Akachi has received hot water baptism from his enraged wife, Joy Imeribe.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred on May 29, at the couple’s 21, Karounmi Street, Ijesha in Lagos.

    Imeribe, who was paraded Wednesday for attempted murder and domestic violence by Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, told reporters she acted in self defence.

    The woman, who said she had lived with Akachi for 13 years despite his not paying her bride price, said: “My action was in self defence. The father of my children always beats me. Infact on one occasion, he even stabbed me with a knife on the left hand.

    “What happened this time around was that he left the house without dropping money for food. I had to borrow N1000 from a neighbour to prepare food for the children.

    “After preparing the food, I also borrowed another N2000 from my neighbour to buy second hand clothings from Yaba.  My plan was to resell the clothes at Aswani Market so that I can get money to keep feeding the children.

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    “I had only returned from Yaba at about 4pm when my husband, who was already at home started asking me where I was coming from.  I told him the truth but he did not believe and started beating me.

    “He claimed I was a flirt and had gone to see some of my male frriends. The beating went on all night and in the morning, when I noticed he had gone into the kitchen to prepare his food, I also went there and boiled water to bath my children.

    “He wanted to start beating me again and to defend myself; I carried the boiling water in a bucket and poured it on him. My husband has not been keeping up with his responsibilities as a father and man of the house. He out rightly refuses to bring money for food and upkeep.

    “When I saw the injury on his body, I regretted my action. But I did it to protect myself.  I had moved out of the house early this year but after much pleas from him and friends, I returned with my children to his house.

    “It is about six weeks ago I came back and he started with his old ways.”

    Lamenting the spate of domestic violence, Edgal emphasised the need for couple to discuss their problems and solve it without resort to violence.

    He said: “Findings made so far in the matter revealed that the husband and wife had verbal disagreement, which did not go down well with the wife.  She went to bed with grudges in her mind.  The next morning while her husband was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, the wife, who had been seething with anger over the unsettled issue bordering on her keeping late nights, boiled a bucket of water and emptied the content on her husband’s body.

    “She did not deny committing the crime, however she told the police that her husband used to beat her in the past. She would be charged to court.”

  • Police arrest underage ‘cultists’, others 

    The Lagos State Police Command Monday said it arrested seven underage and 13 others suspected to be cultists in raids conducted at Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

    Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal disclosed this during a briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja, expressing concerns about the membership of children and teenagers in various cult groups, adding that they were usually lured by friends who invited them for parties.

    Edgal said Hassan Olaniyi, 20, Afolabi Muiz, 18,  alleged kingpin Wahab Moshood, 26, and Ajenifuja Damola were arrested by the Officer in Charge of Anti-Cultism unit, Godwin Agbegbe, a Superintendent of Police (SP) following distress call that members of Eiye cult group were terrorising residents of Ejinirin-Iworo.

    He said the police recovered three cutlasses and two sharp knives from the suspects.

    “Similarly, Lekan David, 24, Eko John, 19, Kudus Idris, 17, Shakiru Ademode, Ibrahim Waheed, 17, Adebowale Uthman, 17,

    Yusuf Wale, 17, Abimbola Gbadamosi, 17,  Rahman Adepoju, 18, Alabi Abidemi, 18, Seun Giwa, 23, Ganiyu Babatunde, 16 and Liyasu Azeez, 16, were arrested by a team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Igbogbo, Isa Lawan, a Chief Superintendent  (CSP).

    “The command received information that a cult group would gather at Bayeku in Igbogbo to initiate new members. An undercover team was mobilised to the location and the suspects arrested.

    “Also, the command arrested a notorious cult leader, Lukman Agboola, 35, alias Baggo, for  threatening people with a gun at New Garage, Bariga. Police received information and tracked him to Yaba. He was trailed from there to Ogooluwa Street, Bariga, where he was arrested.

    “Investigation revealed that he caused the death of one Philip Adegoke alias Major on August 21, last year. On that day, he was in the company of other deadly cultists, Rainbow, Aranze, Segun AKA  Gbodon, Adekunle,  Asumo,  Ade and Agbara.

    “The late Adegoke was stabbed to death by the aforementioned members of Eiye confraternity led by Agboola. This case would be transferred to the homicide section, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID).

    The Nation gathered that Agboola had stabbed Adegoke to death following a disagreement over N20,000 given them by a politician. It was learnt that another cult leader had snatched the money from the politician’s hands, which caused a scuffle, and then a fight.

    The police also arrested Ilesanmi Owodubi, 37 and Michael Juwon for cult related activities at Akoka and Bariga.

    Gbadamosi and Waheed denied being cultists, adding that they were invited for a birthday party by their friend, John Eko.

    Gbadamosi said: “On our way to the party, we saw policemen who were on patrol and they stopped us. They searched us and they did not find anything with us. Then they took us to their station. I never knew John was a cult member. My mum is not even aware I wanted to go for a party. She thought I was going to work because I sell cosmetics for someone.”

    Read Also: Court remands policeman for impregnating teenager

  • Police rescue kids from ‘kidnapper’ in Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command Wednesday rescued two children from a suspected female kidnapper in Yaba.

    The children, Ya’u Mukaila, 10 and Mariam Jubril, 2, were rescued from the suspect, Mary Vera Henry along Little Road, by Yaba Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mary Ubangha, a Chief Superintendent (CSP).

    But the suspect claimed that Jubril looked like her missing 20-year-old daughter, who diviners told her had been reduced to a two-year-old.

    The suspect denied the kidnap allegation, claiming she was framed up by one Shanta Orji and Mama Blessing, who allegedly paid some people N50, 000 to plot against her.

    According to Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, the victims were kidnapped along Herbert Macaulay Way.

    Edgal said: “However, the suspect noticed that she was under surveillance and diverted into St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba. The DPO followed her up and warned the church security men to keep an eye on the woman.

    “She told them not to allow her exit the church without the police ascertaining their identities and mission to the church.

    “The security men obliged and brought the woman and the children before the DPO. During interrogation, the woman gave her name as Mary Vera Henry of 6, Akanni Street, Shomolu.

    “It was discovered that she was not the biological mother of the children, who are of different parents.

    “She claimed that she lost her 20-year-old daughter and when she went to some diviners, they told her the daughter had been reduced in size and stature to a two-year-old child. She claimed the two-year-old victim looked like her missing 20-year-old daughter.

    “The woman was arrested and taken to the station for further interrogation.”

    Continuing, Edgal said the victims’ parents- Jubril Garba and Mukaila Amidu-came to the station and identified them.

    Mukaila, the police said, explained that he sent his son on an errand and two-year-old Jubril followed him.
    Edgal said: “Along the road, the suspect lured the children away from their course to unknown destination. Investigation into the case is ongoing and effort is on to arrest the fleeing brother of the suspect believed to be a co-conspirator of the crime.”

    The police boss warned parents to stop sending their underage kids to the market unaccompanied, threatening to arrest, prosecute negligent parents, guardians under Sections 247 and 249 of Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.

    Read Also: Police arrest 8 suspected kidnappers in Katsina State.

  • I smuggle guns, made charms for gang, says native doctor

    I smuggle guns, made charms for gang, says native doctor

    A Beninnois native doctor, Rasheed Akinola Tuesday admitted to be the armourer to a gang of trans-border armed robbers, who specialised in snatching exotic vehicles in Nigeria and moving them to Cotonou in Benin Republic.

    Akinola was paraded by the Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal alongside three members of the gang- Ajagba Hammed, 30, alias John T, Tobinju Potel, 35, alias Popo and Botan Remmy, 30.

    According to the native doctor, he usually smuggled the gang’s weapons into Nigeria through bush path, adding that they paid him N15, 000 for the job.

    He said he had been responsible for the charms used by the gang over the years, which he claimed ensured they went out and returned successfully.

    Akinola said: “They came to my place in Port-Novo to collect charms to protect them during robbery. I collected CFA 30,000 for the charm. I have also helped them to cross arms through Idiroko for N15, 000 per transaction. I have only done that twice. The charm protects them and opens the way for them. I was arrested at Mile Two.”

    The gang leader, Hammed said he usually got the guns from one Benedict, a car dealer in Cotonou.

    He said that Benedict was his godfather, adding that he just snatched exotic cars, took them to the dealer who gave him any amount he deemed fit.

    Hammed said: “It was polo who called us to come and rob this year. We have robbed twice – two cars. It is a car dealer that collects the vehicle and he gives us anything he feels like. He is the one who gives us the guns. He is my chairman. For that Prado, he gave us CFA300, 000.”

    Potel claimed a Nigerian driver invited him to take part in the robbery, adding that the driver took one of the two vehicles they stole in the country.

    According to Edgal, the suspects met their waterloo on January 20, around 9pm, after they snatched two Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUVs) belonging to Olayinka Oyebola and Fidel Onwodi at Victoria Island and Ikoyi respectively.

    The criminals abandoned Oyebola’s vehicle which they snatched first at Babatunde Crescent in Oniru, Victoria Island, because they suspected it had a tracker and then went after Onwodi, who had stopped along Kingsway Road with his wife for beef barbecue.

    According to Edgal, the criminals confined the couple to the back seat but Mrs. Onwodi took advantage of gridlock and jumped off the vehicle before they got to Third Mainland Bridge.

    The police chief said an AK47 marked PE-2473; 43 AK49 live ammunition; a locally made cut to size double barrel gun; six live cartridges, a licence plate number JD697KJA and assorted charms were recovered from them.

    Edgal said: “The criminals stripped their first victim, Oyebola naked, took him to Ajah/Epe road and pushed him off the vehicle. They made way with his smart phone and N45, 000 which he withdrew from the Zenith Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Ajose Adeogun.

    “The criminals continued their journey until they got to Ikoyi, opposite Southern Sun Hotel, where they sighted another Toyota Prado SUV marked ABC853LK driven by Fidel Onwodi accompanied by his wife.

    “The couple had parked to buy beef barbecue. The robbers parked beside Onwodi’s SUV and ordered the couple to move to the rear of the car.

    “The man’s wife summoned courage and jumped off the moving vehicle. She took advantage of the slow traffic on the road. The criminals continued moving and abandoned her husband on Third Mainland Bridge.

    “They made away with his SUV while that of Oyebola was parked at a location in Babatunde Crescent, Oniru, where undercover operatives of the command recovered it.

    “The suspects confessed to series of robbery operations in which exotic cars were snatched at gunpoint. They also confessed that Onwodi’s car was in Cotonou. Investigation is ongoing. The suspects have owned up to the crime and are assisting the police with information that would help in recovering the Prado SUV presently in Cotonou and arrest of other gang members.”

  • I kidnapped my boss’ brother because I was denied loan, says suspect 

    I kidnapped my boss’ brother because I was denied loan, says suspect 

    A 38-year-old driver, Williams Olowolabi Tuesday said he kidnapped his employer’s younger brother because he was denied N100,000 loan to fund his mother’s burial.

    Olowolabi, Segun Teluwo, 30, Ayo Akinola 22, and Akintunde Amala were paraded Tuesday by acting Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal for allegedly kidnapping Hillary Chukwudumebi and his female companion, Rebecca Omokaro.

    The suspects allegedly committed the offence last Saturday at Oniru Estate in Victoria Island and were arrested at Agodo Alara-Ogijo in Ogun State.

    Edgal said: “On October 21, at about 11pm, four suspected armed men.wjo kidnapped one Hillary Dumebi and Rebecca Omokaro from their resident at Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, were tracked and arrested at their hideout at Agodo Alara-Ogijo in Ogun State.

    “The victims were rescued unhurt. The victims’ vehicle, a Ford Jeep marked LND995ES was recovered. One locally made short gun, a battle knife, nylon celetape and two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards were recovered from them. The suspects would soon be charged to court.”

    But three of the suspects were paraded contrary to Edgal’s statement that the police arrested four.

    Asked where the fourth suspect (Akintunde) was, Williams said the police freed him on Monday, despite the fact that he was the mastermind of the kidnap.

    Williams said: “It was Akin that brought the idea of the kidnapping and he was the one who.made all the arrangements but the police freed him yesterday.

    “What happened was that, last month I requested for loan of N100,000 from my boss but they denied me. They said there was no money. My boss is the owner of BBQ Hotel. I needed the loan to add to the money I have for my mother’s burial.

    “So, I was sad and told Akin what happened and he suggested that we should kidnap Dumebi, my boss’ younger brother so that they will bring money.

    “I bought the idea but didn’t told him I do not know how to go about it. He now called someone and organised the kidnapping. He told me the person said it was possible we would get money.

    “That was how I discussed it with Segun and Ayo and they agreed. There was another guy Akin brought. Akin was the one who made all the arrangements.

    “We went last Saturday and got the guy. I told them to not hurt the victim and they did not hurt them. Akin followed us that Saturday but he later dropped at Eko Hotel when the vehicle did not contain all of us. He was in touch with us all the time.

    “I did not collect any ransom. It was not really in my mind to kidnap anyone but Akin said we would make money from it.

    “It is not true that i demanded N20 million. I was not even with the victums. I went to buy drink for the victims and Segun went to buy food. It was Ayo that stayed with them. Maybe, he was the one that mentioned money.”

    Akinola admitted knowing they were going to kidnap Chukwudumebi, confirming that Akin was part of the deal.

    He said: “It was Williams that brought us into it. We live in the same area at Ogijo. He came and told us that he needed money for his mother’s burial but was not given.

    “He also told us of the plan Akin came up with and we agreed to kidnap the woman’s younger brother so that she and her Oyigbo husband will bring money.

    “So, last Saturday, we waited for him around his house at Oniru. It was around midnight. As he drove in, we pointed gun at him and took him away. We took the lady who was with him too.

    “We took him down to Ikorodu and demanded N20million ransom but he said he did not have money. That he has done business with his money. He did not pay anything and we went out to look for bike to take them home.

    “We were arrested through Williams. The police tracked his phone and arrested his wife and child. It is not true that the police rescued the victims. We released them that day. When they arrested Williams, he now led police to us and we were caught. But surprisingly, the police freed Akin on Monday.”