Police arrest kidnappers of Lagos oil mogul

From Matthew Aramunde, Lagos

Operatives of Lagos police have arrested a kidnapping syndicate over the kidnap of a Lagos-based oil mogul; Alhaji hammed Fashola, owner of Kings Petroleum who was kidnapped with a ransom of N50m.

The arrest by the police, according to source, paid off after which series of investigation by the operatives unveiled the kidnappers who have been demanding for the sum of N50 million after the kidnap of the victim.

Briefing on police effort in apprehending the criminals, the Lagos. Police commissioner, Aderanti Kayode made known to the pressmen that he directed operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery (SARS) led by OC SARS SP abba kyari to swing into action geared towards liberating the victim and arresting the kidnappers after which his office was informed of the incident.

The manhunt of the police operatives, according to Police source, paid off, as the kidnappers were traced to their hideout at 18 Odeniyi Ishola Street, off bola road, Isheri Oshun, Lagos state.

The house, it was learnt, was cordoned and searched by two decoy teams of OC SARS who rescued the victim, Alhaji Fashola Hammed who was chained in the toilet of the apartment.

In the process, three of the kidnapping syndicate who are; Kelvin Igah 39yrs, Kingsly Chukwuma 43yrs, Victor Igah 35yrs, were arrested by the police.

Speaking with our crime correspondent over the case, Victor Igah who is an indigene of Delta state confessed that the victim, Alhaji Hammed Fashola was truly brought to his abode and chained in the toilet. He explained that “the victim was truly brought to my house and chained in the toilet by Ikechukwu and his friend who are on the run.

“When he was brought, I was told he just owed them certain amount of money; not until I saw him chained in the toilet.

Speaking further, Victor explained that the following day, his kidnapping gang members gave him the sum of one hundred and fifty Naira for his role play in the crime.

Meanwhile, victor’s wife Ogechi Ogah, who was allegedly involved in the case, denied knowing anything about the case. “I didn’t know anything about the case. I only notice there was someone in our toilet and I called my husband attention to it, but he told me not to worry over it.

 The police authorities  said effort is in progress to apprehend the rest of the gang members while they will all be made to face the wrath of law if guilty after thorough investigation.