What is a city without crime? thisislagos descends into the Lagos underground to search out the baddest guys the craziest crimes in LasGidi.
Police kill 2, rescue kidnappers of former AIG’s wife
In a high-stakes operation showcasing precision and collaboration, police operatives from the Ogun State Command successfully rescued Mrs. Odumosu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, and recovered a N10 million ransom paid to her kidnappers.
The operation, which took place on January 23, 2025, also led to the neutralisation of two kidnappers and the recovery of multiple firearms.
The incident reportedly began on January 16, 2025, when four masked gunmen abducted Mrs. Odumosu from her Lexus Jeep outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, at approximately 9:45 PM. The abduction triggered an immediate response from the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which launched a coordinated investigation and pursuit of the perpetrators.
Leveraging advanced technical intelligence platforms from the Force Headquarters, the police conducted extensive surveillance of the creeks surrounding Arepo.
This intelligence-gathering effort culminated in a raid at 6:45 AM on January 23, targeting a swampy area in Ikorodu where the kidnappers were reportedly planning their next attack.
Upon arrival, the operatives were met with gunfire from the kidnappers. In the ensuing confrontation, two of the assailants were neutralised, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons.
Odumosu was rescued unharmed from the swampy creeks and has since been reunited with her family after undergoing a precautionary medical evaluation.
The police recovered four AK-47 rifles, three locally made single-barrel rifles, ammunition of various calibres, and the N10 million ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers. The operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies in combating violent crimes.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their gallantry.
“This operation exemplifies the dedication and resilience of our police officers. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” the IGP stated.
The successful rescue and recovery operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Nigerian security forces to address the growing threat of kidnapping, particularly in high-risk areas. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role of intelligence and collaboration in tackling organized crime.
Police disagree as report alleges high crime rate in Lagos (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command has debunked a publication alleging high crime rates in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, refuted the report in a statement on Monday.
He said the publication in a national daily on Monday with the headline “Concerns as Lagos State grapples with high crime rate despite Closed Circuit Television cameras” was false. Read more
EFCC arraigns 5 over alleged tampering with forfeited property in Lagos (TVC)
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned five individuals before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly tampering with a forfeited property.
The defendants—Benjamin Okoye, Moughalu David Arinze, Okey Okeke, Ekene Mgbeokwere, and Eboh Thaddeus—were brought before Justice A.O. Owoeye on a one-count charge of unauthorised dealings with a forfeited asset.
According to the charge, the defendants, alongside one Ilongwo Angela (currently at large), allegedly tampered with a property belonging to Obinna Ezenwaka, located at Plot 165C, Block 12, Amuwo Odofin, Ajayi Street, Diamond Estate, Lagos. Read more
Police nab dismissed soldier for abducting man, stealing his iPhone in Lagos (Sun)
The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected army impersonator, Kingsley Wanogho for abducting a young man in Ikeja and abandoning him on Third Mainland bridge, and making away with his iPhone 13.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the RRS said the 42-year-old suspect is a dismissed army sergeant and ex–convict.
According to the statement, the suspect was arrested at Ikeja Under Bridge by police operatives after being spotted by one of his victims around Computer Village, Ikeja on Saturday. Read more
Suspect arraigned for allegedly stealing bank’s N1.1b (Punch)
A 43-year-old man Sunday Ozimede, who allegedly hacked Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Vault and stole the sum of N1,190, 728, 076 bn, from the bank, was on Monday arraigned by the police before the Federal High Court in Lagos State.
The defendant is facing three counts bordering on conspiracy, hacking and obtaining by false pretence preferred against him by the Police Special Fraud Unit.The PSFU’s Prosecution Counsel, Justine Enang, told the court that the defendant allegedly hacked the microfinance bank and obtained the sum of N945, 728,076m, by false pretence. Read more