The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a kidnapping den disguised as shrine in the Idimu area. Operatives also arrested 14 suspects connected to the site during a major crackdown.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh led journalists on a tour of the premises along Pipeline Road on Wednesday. He identified the suspects as members of a notorious “one-chance” and kidnapping syndicate operating across Lagos.
According to the CP, the operation began with intelligence-led stop-and-search patrols in the early hours of Sunday. Police first intercepted three suspects at Bode Thomas in Surulere. They were in a vehicle allegedly used to lure victims—especially at night or dawn.
Jimoh explained that the gang typically posed as dollar sellers or fake investment agents. They promised to double victims’ money. If the victim complied, they released them after stealing cash. But if the person resisted, they took them to the “shrine.”
“This room is where they lock uncooperative victims,” Jimoh said. “Then they call relatives to demand ransom.”
He revealed the syndicate is led by Demola Adelua, who has operated for over eight years. Adelua reportedly controls six operational teams across Lagos.
Importantly, Jimoh clarified that Lagos does not face widespread traditional kidnapping. However, he warned that “one-chance” fraud gangs often escalate to abduction when victims refuse to cooperate.
The gang specifically targeted worshippers heading to mosques and churches early in the morning. They exploited low foot traffic and minimal police presence during those hours.
Initially, police received only two formal complaints. That prompted the command to set up tactical checkpoints in the area. The three arrested suspects then led officers to the Idimu hideout.
During an on-the-spot search, police recovered weapons and evidence of criminal activity. A follow-up raid netted 11 more suspects—bringing the total to 14.
Jimoh disclosed the gang used at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, to pick up victims from bus stops and public areas. Authorities are still tracking the remaining cars.
During the media tour, suspect Rotimi Adilola admitted the site served as their operational base. Another suspect, Amos Ogunna, claimed ownership of the “shrine,” calling it “like a church.”
“I knew him through my brother,” Ogunna said. “We are local 419. My colleagues bring customers with a motor. Sometimes people pay N100,000, sometimes N200,000.”
Emmanuel Njoku, arrested at Bode Thomas, described how they lured victims: “We tell them we’re going to Lagos. Someone says she has dollars. Greedy people ask questions. Then we interview them and bring them here.”
Njoku, who claims to be 60, admitted involvement for eight years. He said some uncooperative victims were later returned with transport fare—but others were fully kidnapped.
A female suspect, Tina Willy from Akwa Ibom, said she joined after her husband’s death. “I had no money,” she explained. “My brother introduced me. There was a woman they carried before—she didn’t play along, so they called her family for ransom.”
Another suspect confessed he had previously served four months in prison for a N300,000 fraud offense.
In response, CP Jimoh assured Lagos residents that the command has full control of the situation. He said investigations will expand to capture all syndicate members—even those coming from neighboring states.
Additionally, Lagos is strengthening its security architecture. New measures include undercover “walk-and-operate” squads, a coast drive strike force, and a soon-to-launch anti-crime patrol unit.
“I want to assure Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear,” Jimoh said. “Full deployment has been carried out across the nooks and crannies of the state.”
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