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Tag: Rasaki Musibau

  • I was blindfolded, says freed Fire Service chief

    Freed Acting Director of Lagos State Fire Service Rasaki Musibau said he could not recognise the two suspects arrested by the police because he was blindfolded by his abductors.

    Musibau addressed a jubilant crowd on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Fire Service at Alausa, Ikeja.

    The Lagos State Police Command had earlier said it had arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), released the picture of the suspects.

    When asked if he could recognize the suspects, the Fire Service chief said he could not.

    “I was blindfolded by my abductors. There is no way I can recognize them,” he said.

    Musibau said the kidnappers whisked him away around 6pm, as against 8pm reported by the media, while going to Epe.

    “I ran into them (the kidnappers). They were operating freely on that road (Epe-Itoikin). Some people were lucky not to have been abducted. They just robbed them and allowed them to go. In fact, some vehicles before me were robbed at gunpoint. When I ran into them, they smashed the windscreen of my vehicle. At that point I was kidnapped; I met two other persons that have been abducted. Not quite long, they whisked us away,” he said.

    Musibau, who arrived office around 8:30am, was welcome by jubilant workers.

    They offered prayers to God for returning him alive. Praise songs and dances followed.

    He thanked them for standing by him and his family during the turbulent period.

    According to him, the abductors dropped him somewhere in Ikorodu before he called workers at the Ikorodu Fire Service Station.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected kidnappers of Lagos fire service boss

    The Nation learnt that it was at that station he was taken home.

    Musibau said four persons were freed by the abductors, remaining three in their captivity.

    It was learnt that the families of those still in captivity are yet to pay their ransom.

    Musibau toured all the offices to greet people and express gratitude.

    Afterwards, he went to his office before leaving for the secretariat in Alausa.

    Police spokesman said Musibau and others kidnapped were freed around 11:45pm inside the forest where the kidnappers kept them, by a joint security force.

    Elkana said they were released unhurt and have been reunited with their families.

    He said: “The victims have since reunited with their families. The command’s tactical teams are still in the creeks and forests combating the places to arrest the hoodlums.

    “Water-tight security measures have been put in place across the state to forestall future occurrence. The command deeply appreciates the support of the Lagos State Government and the good people of Lagos, who stood by us and also provided useful information that facilitated the rescue of the victims. Together we will continue to make Lagos State one of the safest states in Nigeria.”

    Later in the day, the command’s image maker said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction of the Fire Service director and six others.

    Elkana said: “Following a sustained and well-coordinated operations by the Command’s Tactical teams led by the Officer in Charge of Anti Kidnapping Unit, Bulus Musa, a superintendent (SP), two members of the kidnapping gang that abducted the Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaki Musibau and six others on Saturday at about 8.pm have been arrested.

    “The suspects – Blessing Bayo, 29 and Smart Alfred, 32 – all of Arogbo, Ondo State were arrested on Wednesday at about 05:30am at Ibefun along Ikorodu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, a boundary community with Ogun State and they all confessed to the commission of the crime.

    “Two single barrel guns were recovered from them.  Investigation is ongoing; efforts are on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.”

  • I was blindfolded, says freed Lagos fire service chief

    Freed Acting Director of Lagos State Fire Service Rasaki Musibau said he could not recognise the two suspects arrested by the police because he was blindfolded by his abductors.

    Musibau told a jubilant crowd on Wednesday at the headquarters of the fire service, Alausa, Ikeja.

    The Lagos State Police Command had earlier said it has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), released the picture of the suspects.

    When asked if he could recognise the suspects, the fire service chief said he could not.

    “I was blindfolded by my abductors. There is no way I could recognise them,” he said.

    According to him, the kidnappers whisked him away around 6pm as against 8pm reported by the media while going to Epe.

    “I ran into them (the kidnappers). They were operating freely on that road (Epe-Itoikin). Some people were lucky not to have been abducted. They just robbed them and allow them to go.

    Read also: Breaking: Kidnapped Lagos Fire Service boss, others freed

    “In fact, some vehicles before me were robbed at gunpoint. When I ran into them, they smashed the windscreen of my vehicle. At that point I was kidnapped; I met two other persons that have been abducted. Not quite long, they whisked us away,” he said.

    Musibau, who arrived office around 8:30am, was welcomed by jubilant workers.

    They offered prayers to God for returning him alive. Praise songs and dances followed.

    He thanked them for standing by him and his family during the turbulent period.

    According to him, the abductors dropped him somewhere in Ikorodu before he called workers at the Ikorodu Fire Service Station.

    The Nation learnt that it was at that station he was taken home.

    According to Musibau, four persons were freed by the abductors, remaining three in their captivity.

    It was learnt that the family members of those still in captivity are yet to pay their ransom.

    Musibau toured all the offices to greet people and express gratitude.

    Afterwards, he went to his office before leaving for the secretariat in Alausa.

    Police spokesman said Musibau and others kidnapped were freed around 11:45pm inside the forest where the kidnappers kept them by a joint security force.

    Elkana said they were released unhurt and have been reunited with their families.

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers of Lagos fire service boss

    Two members of the gang that kidnapped Lagos State Fire Service boss, Rasaki Musibau and six others have been arrested.

    They were arrested in an operation led by the Command’s tactical teams led by the Officer –in- Charge of anti- kidnapping unit, SP Bulus R Musa, according to a statement by Lagos State Police spokesman, Bala Elkana.

    Musibau was kidnapped on Saturday at Ejirin, along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.

    The suspects were arrested on Wednesday around 5:30am.

    Read Also: Police confirm killing of 21, rustling of 50 cows in Kajuru Attack

    Elkana said: “Blessing Bayo ‘m’ 29yrs and Smart Alfred ‘m’ 32yrs all of Arogbo, Ondo State were arrested at Ibafun along Ikorodu- Ijebu Ode Express way, a boundary community with Ogun State and they all confessed to the commission of the crime.

    “Two single barrel guns were recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing, efforts are emplaced to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.”

  • Photos: Fire service staff celebrate release of boss

    Staff of Lagos State Fire Service were pictured celebrating the release of the Director, Rasaki Musibau and six others on Wednesday.

    The victims were kidnapped on April 6 along the Ikorodu-Epe Expressway while on their way to Lagos.

    They were released at about 11:45pm inside the forest where the kidnappers kept them by a joint security force.

     

  • Breaking: Kidnapped Lagos Fire Service boss, others freed

    Kidnapped Director of Lagos State Fire Service Rasaki Musibau and six others have been released, the police said Wednesday morning.

    They were released at about 11:45pm inside the forest where the kidnappers kept them by a joint security force.

    Already some suspects have been arrested in the operation still ongoing in the forest at the time of this report, The Nation gathered.

    The victims were kidnapped at about 8pm on April 6 along the Ikorodu-Epe Expressway while on their way to Lagos.

    According to the statement by police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), they were released unhurt and have been reunited with their families.

    Read also: Police confirm killing of 21, rustling of 50 cows in Kajuru Attack

    “The victims have since reunited with their families. The command’s tactical teams are still in the creeks and forests combating the hoodlums.

    Water-tight security measures are emplaced across the state to forestall future occurrence. “The command deeply appreciate the supports of Lagos State Government and the good people of Lagos who stood by us and also provided useful information that facilitated the prompt rescue of the victims. Together we will continue to make Lagos State one of the safest states in Nigeria,” he said.

  • Kidnappers demand N3m ransom for Fire Service chief

    The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have demanded N3 million from his family, The Nation learnt on Tuesday.

    Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu, last Saturday.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the Fire Service chief and others were going to Epe.

    The kidnappers blocked the Itoikin bridge, ambushed occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and took them away.

    The Nation learnt that the abductors are also demanding N500,000 from the families of six other abductees.

    Some neighbours told The Nation that the Fire Service chief’s family are planning to raise the money.

    According to them, the response of the government has not been encouraging.

    Musibau, who they said, is the chairman of the Landlord Association in the area, is due for retirement in two months.

    A neighbour, who simply gave his name as Segun, said he heard from some leaders of the community that the kidnappers are demanding N3 million ransom.

    He said the community may assist the family to raise the money if the government is not proactive.

    Read Also: Navy takes war to kidnappers, others

    “We are yet to see delegation from the office of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Seye Oladejo. Although, it was learnt that the commissioner is not in the country, that does not stop the permanent secretary or any other top official from the ministry from visiting the family. We only saw the vehicle of the Fire Service the following day the incident occurred,” Segun said.

    Corroborating Segun’s statement, another neighbour, Wale, said the commissioner for Special Duties ought to have returned to the country immediately the incident occurred.

    “This is the normal practice across the world. Somebody in that calibre was kidnapped and the whole place is quiet as if it’s nothing big. I expect the  government delegation to have visited the family and neighbours. Mr Musibau is a community leader in this area,” he said.

    According to him, the kidnappers are asking the families of other people abducted to pay N500,000 each.

    “I am not surprised they are demanding such amount. They have been in this business for a long time without security officers stopping their unlawful activity. Many families who have been victims don’t inform the police because they are afraid that the kidnappers may kill their loved ones. It is because of the personality of the fire fighters’ boss that led to police intervention,” Wale said.

    Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians not to despair over the abduction of Musibau.

    It said all hands are on deck to ensure he and others return safely.

    Briefing reporters yesterday after the Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu confirmed Musibau’s abduction with others, but said security agencies were working to rescue them.

    Muazu, alongside heads of other security formations, expressed optimism of positive result, but declined to give details on the move to rescue the victims.

    “I confirm that there was kidnapping involving the director of Fire Service. Security agencies are working towards the safe release of the victims. We are working to ensure their safe return,” the CP said.

    On the fears being expressed over likely return of the spate of kidnapping, Muazu said security agencies were working to stop it, noting that there was nothing to worry about.

    “This present case does not mean kidnapping has returned to Lagos. I see this as a very unfortunate incident and I assure Lagosians that security agencies are putting their heads together to ensure we stop this menace,” he said.

    Muazu said the council reviewed the security situation since the last meeting was held, adding that the government, in partnership with security agencies, was working to ensure smooth transition of government to the incoming administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

     

  • Kidnappers contact Fire Service chief’s family

    The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have contacted his family, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu on Saturday about 8pm.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others were going to Epe.

    The Nation gathered that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Details of the abductors’ conversation with  Musibau’s family were not disclosed.

    Contacted, police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), told The Nation that the police don’t negotiate ransom with kidnappers.

    According to him, the Special Forces deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Zubairu Muazu and the command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit are on the trail of the abductors.

    “There was a contact established, but we do not negotiate ransom with kidnappers. The Special Forces deployed by CP Zubairu Muazu are still on the trail of the kidnappers and we are getting closer,” Elkana said.

    The Nation learnt that there was a marathon prayer yesterday at the headquarters of the Lagos State Fire Service, Alausa for the release of the agency’s acting director.

    The prayer, it was gathered, was replicated in all the 16 offices of the Fire Service in the state.

    “We held a special prayer for the release of our Oga this morning. The prayers were also carried out in all our offices. We couldn’t do much work because everybody was in a sober mood. We can only pray for the kidnappers to release our boss,” a worker said.

    The Vice Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, David Odunlami has denied that his personal assistant was among those kidnapped.

    Speaking with The Nation last night, he said none of his two personal assistants was among those kidnapped.

    “As I am speaking with you, my two personal assistants are not involved. None of them was on the scene of the incident. I do not have any relative or anyone working in the council among those kidnapped.

    “However, we are hoping that the kidnappers will release those abducted. It is disturbing and worrisome,” he said.

    According to the police, those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others.

    Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel SUV.

  • Kidnappers contact Fire Service chief’s family

    The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have contacted his family members, The Nation learnt on Monday.

    Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others was going to Epe.

    The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin Bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Details of the abductors’ conversation with the Musibau’s family were not disclosed.

    Contacted, Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) told The Nation that the police don’t negotiate ransom with kidnappers.

    According to him, the Special Forces deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Zubairu Muazu and the command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit are on the trail of the abductors.

    “There was a contact established, but we do not negotiate ransom with kidnappers. The Special Forces deployed by CP Zubairu Muazu are still on the trail of the kidnappers and God’s willing, we are getting closer,” Elkana said.

    The Nation learnt that there was a marathon prayer at the headquarters of the Lagos State Fire Service, Alausa for the release of the agency’s Acting Director.

    Read also: Lagos Fire Service chief, six others abducted

    The prayer, it was learnt, was replicated in all the 16 offices of the Fire Service in the state.

    “We held a special prayer for the release of our Oga this morning. The prayers were also carried out in all our offices. We couldn’t do much work because everybody was in a sober mood. We can only pray for the kidnappers to release our Oga,” a worker said.

    Meanwhile, Vice-Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, David Odunlami has denied that his Personal Assistant was among those kidnapped.

    Speaking with The Nation last night, Odunlami said none of his two Personal Assistants was among those kidnapped.

    “As I am speaking with you, my two Personal Assistants are not involved. None of them was at the scene of the incident. I do not have any relative or anyone working in the council among those kidnapped.

    “However, we are hoping that the kidnappers will release those abducted. It is disturbing and worrisome,” he said.

    According to the police, those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others.

    Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel Jeep.

  • Lagos Fire Service chief, six others abducted

    Kidnappers on Saturday night abducted the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau and six others at Ejirin, along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.

    Among those kidnapped is the personal assistant to the vice chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others were returning to Lagos from Epe.

    The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    A resident, who simply gave his name as Segun, who called to notify The Nation about the incident around 3pm, said the fire service chief and other people were ordered to alight from their vehicles and were whisked away.

    He said the incident occurred in the evening.

    “They (the kidnappers) didn’t take anything from the vehicles. The Fire Service acting director’s vehicle was there with his phone. We saw three vehicles at the spot. We were told that the kidnappers were just stopping vehicles on the road at Ejirin and after occupants of the three vehicles were taken, they hurriedly left the scene,” he said.

    He doubted if the kidnappers knew Musibau before abducting him.

    “They could have ransacked his vehicle and taken his phones away if they knew he is the Fire Service acting director,” he said.

    Another resident said the abducted personal assistant to the vice chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area drove his boss’ vehicle.

    Read also: Police kill three bandits in fresh Kaduna village attack

    “The kidnappers might have thought it was the council’s vice chairman, unknown to them that the person driving the vehicle is the chairman’s aide. I think the man took his boss’ vehicle to a party. He was returning to Ejirin before he was abducted,” he said.

    According to him, the kidnappers left two children of some of the women abducted on the scene of the incident.

    Some residents alleged that occupants of an interstate bus were also kidnapped after the vehicle dropped off some passengers along the road and bystanders, pretending to be waiting for a bus to Lagos, entered.

    A resident, who spoke to The Nation, said the interstate bus had stopped to drop off a passenger at Ejirin, adding that some other persons standing on the road joined the vehicle en route to Lagos.

    “It happened on Saturday evening. It was around 7pm. It was one of these instate buses that ply that route. The bus stopped to drop off passengers and some people entered.

    “But unknown to the driver and passengers, those who entered the bus were kidnappers and they took them to an unknown destination.

    “It was a separate incident from that of the fire service director. The man and some others were coming from Epe to Lagos when the kidnappers ambushed them and took them away. This area is gradually turning to something else.

    “We are worried because we know how bad it was then when farmers and their employees were being kidnapped daily. These boys are gradually starting again.

    “We are calling on the authorities to act fast before it is too late,” said the source.

    But the police denied that any commercial bus was involved, saying the total number of those affected were seven occupants of a Toyota Sienna, Corolla and an Opel SUV.

    Saturday’s kidnap has sent shivers down the spines of residents of the axis who have for some time experienced respite from incessant kidnappings and armed banditry.

    Prior to the latest incident, it was gathered that the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Samson Ajijedidun, was kidnapped by the criminals on March 1 and only released after a ransom was paid.

    Some workers and senior staff of the Fire Service were yesterday seen at the Alausa fire service office.

    The Nation learnt that their convergence may not be unconnected with the kidnap of their boss.

    None of them was ready to speak with reporters or anybody that does not belong to the service.

    They were seen discussing the incident in hushed tones.

    Contacted, Fire Service Chief Public Affairs Officer Bola Ajao’s phone was switched off.

    Messages sent to her phone were not answered.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said seven persons, including the fire service boss, were kidnapped from three vehicles around 8pm on Saturday.

    Elkana said: “They are seven persons, not nine. They were not in a bus. We are just coming from the scene now. The Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, visited the scene. They were in three vehicles, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel SUV. We searched and saw some items belonging to the victims, one of them is the Lagos Fire Service director.

    “Investigation has begun into this incident. The CP has also deployed Special Forces and tasked the Command’s Anti kidnapping Unit to ensure that they rescue the seven persons abducted by some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers at about 8pm along Iwoye bridge, Itokin-Epe road, Ikorodu.

    “The CP in the company of Tactical Units Commanders visited the crime scene in the early hours of today (yesterday) and assured the family of the victims that the command is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the victims are rescued unhurt.

    “Those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others. Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel SUV.

    “The command assures Lagosians of their safety at all times, as it has intensified patrols and surveillance along Itokin-Epe road, Ketu, Eredo and other major highways in the state.”

  • Breaking: Lagos Fire Service chief, others kidnapped

    Kidnappers on Saturday night whisked away the Lagos State Fire Service Director Rasaki Musibau and about nine others along the Epe-Itokin road, Ikorodu.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others were returning to Lagos from Epe.

    The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itokin bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    In another incident, residents alleged occupants of an interstate bus were also kidnapped after the vehicle dropped off some passengers along the road.

    A resident, who spoke to The Nation, said the interstate bus had stopped to drop off a passenger at Ejirin, adding that some other persons standing on the road joined the vehicle enroute Lagos.

    “It happened on Saturday evening. It was around 7pm. It was on one of these instate buses that ply that route. The bus stopped to drop off passengers and some people entered.

    “But unknown to the driver and passengers, those who entered the bus were kidnappers and they took them to unknown destination.

    “It was a separate incident from that of the fire service director. The man and some others were coming from Epe to Lagos when the kidnappers ambushed them and took them away. This area is gradually turning to something else.

    “We are worried because we know how bad it was then when farmers and their employees were being kidnapped daily. These boys are gradually starting again.

    Read also: Police parade 15 suspected cultists, robbers, kidnappers

    “We are calling on the authorities to act fast before it is too late,” said the source.

    But the police denied any commercial bus was involved, adding the total number of those affected were seven occupants of a Toyota Sienna, Corolla and an Opel SUV.

    Saturday’s kidnap has sent shivers down the spine of residents of the axis who have experienced respite from incessant kidnappings and another armed banditry just recently.

    Prior to the latest incident, it was gathered that the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman Samson Ajijedidun was kidnapped by the criminals on March 1 and only released after ransom was paid.

    Contacted, police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said seven persons including the fire service boss were kidnapped from three vehicles.

    Elkana said: “They are seven persons not nine. They were not in a bus. We are just coming from the scene now. The Commissioner of Police Zubairu Muazu visited the scene.

    “They were in three different vehicles, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel jeep.

    “We searched and saw some items belonging to the victims, one of them is the Lagos Fire Service Director.

    “Investigation has commenced into this incident. The CP has also deployed Special Forces and tasked them to rescue the victims, arrest the perpetrators. Effort is ongoing.”