The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a notorious criminal syndicate, uncovering a kidnappers’ den disguised as a traditional shrine in the Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government.
The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects linked to a high-profile “one-chance” and kidnapping ring that has terrorized the state for nearly a decade.
During a media tour of the premises located along Pipeline Road on Sunday, CP Jimoh revealed that the gang, led by a kingpin identified as Demola Adelua, employed a two-tier criminal strategy.
The gang reportedly lured unsuspecting victims, often early-morning worshippers or late-night commuters, into their vehicles under the guise of selling subsidized dollars or offering “money-doubling” investment schemes.
“This gang is led by one Demola Adelua, who has been operating for over eight years. He controls about six operational teams across Lagos,” the CP stated.
“If victims cooperate and they succeed in defrauding them, they release them. But if the victim refuses to cooperate, they bring them here, lock them inside this shrine, and call their relatives to demand ransom.”
The breakthrough followed a tactical stop-and-search operation in the Surulere axis. Police operatives first intercepted three suspects at Bode Thomas in a vehicle used for “one-chance” operations. Under interrogation, the suspects led the police to the Idimu operational base.
A subsequent raid on the shrine and surrounding buildings led to the arrest of 11 additional members, bringing the total number of suspects to 14.
The Police boss noted that the syndicate specifically targeted individuals heading to mosques and churches during the early hours of the morning, exploiting the low police presence and limited public movement at that time.
“Only two formal complaints were initially received, which prompted the command to establish tactical stop-and-search points,” Jimoh said. “We conducted an on-the-spot search and recovered weapons used for their criminal activities.”
Investigators revealed that the syndicate operated a fleet of at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims from various bus stops across the state.
While the CP reassured residents that conventional kidnapping remains low in Lagos, he warned that “one-chance” robbery often escalates into kidnapping when victims resist fraud.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while the police continue to hunt for other fleeing members of the six operational teams.
