Operatives of the Obalende Division of the Ogun State Police Command have thwarted an alleged plot to abduct a Chinese national along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway and arrested two suspects in connection with the scheme.
The suspects, identified as 41-year-old Chinedu Onwuemena and 37-year-old Jimoh Ojo, were apprehended on Monday at approximately 5:30 p.m.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the arrests were made following credible intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer, which led to the successful operation.
Upon the information, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives of the Division, including the Surveillance Team, to the identified axis, where the suspects were promptly intercepted and arrested, thereby thwarting the execution of the planned crime.
Babaseyi stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had jointly conspired to abduct a Chinese national and extort a ransom of ₦50,000,000.
“Further findings showed that Chinedu Onwuemena, who worked within the company as an interpreter and driver, allegedly exploited his position to facilitate the criminal plan.
“Investigations further established that the arrested suspects did not act alone but in concert with another accomplice who is currently at large” he added.
Babaseyi disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspect, while discrete investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the criminal network behind the conspiracy.
He quoted that the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance, and swift response of the operatives of Obalende Division, whose proactive action prevented what could have resulted in a serious kidnapping incident.
The CP also acknowledged the value of timely intelligence, reassuring residents and the business community that the Ogun State Police Command remains firmly committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the relentless pursuit of criminal elements threatening public peace and safety.