Metro

Lagos Billionaire-kidnappers: Police Identify Another Key Gang Member, Uncover Details Of Last Operation

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2024

Editor

Detectives from the Special Squad Unit of the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered the identity of a key member of the notorious gang of billionaire kidnappers killed during their raid at Ladipo Market last month.

Previously, only one gang leader, the prominent Nollywood actor/producer Prince Henry Ode from Port Harcourt, had been identified, together with about four members of his colleagues in the film making industry. who were also involved in the violent confrontation with the police.

Extensive Case Files in Lagos

Recent investigations led by CSP Kehinde Oni revealed a staggering 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.

“It was a shocking discovery,” CSP Oni remarked. “The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities.”

Details of the Final Operation

Before their raid on Ladipo Market, the gang had kidnapped a wealthy female supermarket owner from Ago Okota, extorting N68 million in ransom.

CCTV footage from the supermarket showed an informant, later identified as Uzoamaka, entering the store to scout the area. “Our investigation revealed that Uzoamaka played a crucial role in this operation,” said a police source. “He was seen in the footage ensuring the coast was clear before the gang moved in.”

Notorious Sharpshooter

Uzoamaka is renowned in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialized training in arms handling.

“He was known as one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” said another police official. “His skills were highly regarded, but we had no idea he was connected to the kidnappings in Lagos until now.”

During the Ladipo Market operation, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car blocked the gang’s path. “The shot he fired was intended to intimidate and eliminate anyone obstructing their escape,” explained CSP Oni. “It struck the car’s headrest but narrowly missed our officer.”

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives continue their efforts to identify all victims involved in the Ladipo raid. However, families of the deceased have been reluctant to come forward.

“We’re working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations,” stated a police insider. “It’s clear that many have been hiding information, but we’re confident that further investigation will expose everything and reveal the complete truth.”

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.