Lagos Woman Freed After ₦21m Ransom Paid to Ondo Kidnap Gang

A Lagos businesswoman who was reportedly abducted from her home in Ijedodo, Lagos State, has regained her freedom after spending three days in the custody of suspected kidnappers. According to a report by Blueprint, the victim was released after her family allegedly paid ₦21 million in ransom. The kidnappers also reportedly demanded other items before releasing her.

The incident has led to the arrest of three suspected members of an alleged cross-state kidnapping syndicate by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The suspects were identified as Semi Buawe, 35, Bamure Telemowei and Oluwatomi Obosi, 37. Police said the suspects were allegedly based in Agadagba, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State but travelled to Lagos to carry out kidnapping operations.

According to police sources cited by Blueprint, investigators believe the suspects were part of a group that targeted residents in Lagos before allegedly returning to Ondo State. The police are also searching for a suspected gang leader identified only as “ID,” who is alleged to have played a central role in the operation. Investigators are working to establish the full structure of the suspected syndicate and determine whether it has been involved in other kidnapping incidents.

One of the suspects, Buawe, reportedly told investigators that he had previously been involved in kidnapping but had stopped before allegedly being persuaded to participate in the latest operation. Another suspect, Obosi, reportedly said he became involved after being recruited by the alleged gang leader. Their statements remain allegations made during an investigation and will need to be tested through due process.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the arrests and said efforts were underway to apprehend other suspected members of the group. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the alleged gang leader and determining whether the suspects are connected to other kidnapping cases. The arrested suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been established by a court.