Authorities from the Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday that they have apprehended a gang comprised of seven individuals known for their involvement in kidnapping and murdering their victims even after receiving ransom payments.
This group operates primarily in Ijebu-Igbo and surrounding areas within the Ijebu North Local Government Area of the state.
Among those arrested were Chukwuma Bathlomew, 40, and Igwe Sunday, 42, who were captured and publicly paraded last month. Recently added to the list were Ifeanyi Mathias, 31, Anayo Simeon, 28, Ayo Adedayo, 46, Chibueze Odah, 41, Ejiofor Nwali, 35, Eke Peter, 22, Monday Paul, 24, and Chukwuma Zainab, 37.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, revealed these details during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the state capital, on Friday.
On July 28, 2023, around 1 am in the Ojowo area of Ijebu-Igbo, armed individuals raided the home of Raheem Azeez and his wife, Raheem Afolashade, robbing them of their valuables.
According to Alamutu, “The armed assailants proceeded to another residence belonging to Oluwaseun Oworu Samuel, shot him through a window, and then looted his property, including a POS machine, recharge cards, cash, and other valuables.
“They left Samuel injured and later admitted to Babcock University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on August 4, 2023. His body was taken to the morgue for further examination.”
The CP recounted another incident on October 2, 2023, around 1:30 am at Egbe area, Oke Sopen, Ijebu Igbo, where the gang attacked the residence of Adegbenga Adeniran, kidnapping his 17-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Adeniran, and transporting her to an undisclosed location.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N3.1 million through an account linked to the late Oluwaseun Oworu Samuel, who had been previously shot at his home. Despite the payment, they proceeded to murder the young girl and disposed of her remains in a well in the Oke-Agbo area of Ijebu-Igbo.
Alamutu described a series of events that took place on various dates, including an attack on the traditional ruler of Aparaki Ijebu, Prof Julius Niyi Benedict, and the eventual capture and release of his wife after a harrowing experience.
Further incidents detailed by the CP occurred on November 23, 2023, behind Abusi Edumare Academy School, Ijebu Igbo, involving the kidnapping and subsequent killing of one Ogunyemi Femi.
Following these occurrences, the gang targeted Adedayo Kehinde Temitayo in Surulere, Ipojo Golden Estate, Ijebu Ode in February and later assaulted Oladokun Mathew, his wife Bolanle, and their five children in March at their residence on Akandi Street, Awa Ijebu, Ogun state.
Recovered from the gang were items such as a blue Tecno Cammon phone and three spent cartridges.
Alamutu mentioned that once the investigation into the gang’s activities is concluded, the suspects will be prosecuted for their crimes.