The Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday the arrest of a seven-man gang accused of carrying out multiple kidnappings along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway.
Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu revealed this during a press briefing in Abeokuta, naming Azeez Abolaji Alese, 42, as the gang leader.
The police stated the gang had terrorized travelers, allegedly kidnapping seven people between May and September. “This vicious syndicate, led by Azeez Abolaji Alese, has been responsible for several kidnappings, each carefully planned,” said CP Alamutu.
On May 16, the gang reportedly kidnapped Busari Abiola at her home in Sagamu, taking her unregistered car. “They later released her but kept the car,” Alamutu added. On May 17, the gang kidnapped Adebayo Olabisi, taking her away in her Highlander Jeep. Another victim, Omosehin Tanwa, was abducted on June 2 in Ijebu Mushin.
A significant lead on October 3 led to the arrest of Abiola Oduyemi, one of the suspects, in Egbeda, Ibadan. Oduyemi confessed to being involved in these kidnappings and directed police to the other suspects. According to Alamutu, the gang used a “criminal charm” during attacks. Alese, identified as the mastermind, had a criminal history that included a 2016 kidnapping case. He was also arrested in August 2022 in Ibadan for another kidnapping but resumed criminal activities after being released on bail in April 2024.
Oduyemi had a Babcock University key holder and a victim’s belongings at the time of his arrest, which provided evidence of his involvement.
Additional members played various roles within the gang:
- Joseph Udomah allegedly gave the gang information for kidnappings and admitted involvement in a 2023 journalist kidnapping.
- Jimoh Kareem and Salami Rasheed, the group’s armourers, supplied locally made pistols and arranged for stolen cars to be sold across the Niger Republic border.
- Emmanuel Abbey was found with a Browning pistol reportedly used in robberies.
Among the evidence seized were a Browning pistol, stolen cars, and personal items from the victims.
CP Alamutu commended the command’s efforts to improve safety, encouraging Ogun residents to stay alert and cooperate with the police to keep the state secure.
