Juliana Francis
The Ogun State Police Command said it has rescued a journalist, Oduneye Olusegun, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode on the 9th of March 2023.
The Ogun State Police Spokesman, a Superintendent of Police, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the journalist was rescued on the 11th of March 2023.
The rescue of the journalist happened after the kidnappers had demanded that the victim’s family cough out N30m as ransom.
The kidnappers, already sure of receiving money, were shocked when policemen operatives traced their location and were upon them like fleas on a dog.
The image maker explained that the journalist, who was coming from Abeokuta was kidnapped in the Mobalufon area while in his Toyota Camry car at about 7:50 pm on Thursday 9th of March 2023.
The abductors later called the wife through the victim’s phone the following morning, demanding N30 million as ransom.
Oyeyemi said: “Upon the report, Ogun State Police Command the Commissioner of Police, CP Frank Mba, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Obalende Divisional Headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, whose jurisdiction the incident happened to ensure the safe rescue of the victim. In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilised his detectives and embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation of the incident.
“Their efforts paid off when the Toyota Camry of the victim was traced to the Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom. On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums engaged them in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
“The victim’s car was soaked with the kidnappers’ blood as a result of gunshot injuries was recovered by the police team.
“Having realised that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative than to abandon the victim, and he was recused unhurt.
“Meanwhile, the CP, Frank Mab who commended his men for their gallantry and their professional conduct appeals to members of the public especially the hospitals and traditional healers to report to the police if anybody with gunshot injuries is seen in their area. The CP also warned criminals to stay clear from Ogun State, as the Command is battle ready to take the fight to their doorstep.”
