The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old ex-convict, Abolaji Alese, along with six accomplices, for their alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings and armed robberies targeting travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode axis.
The suspects, paraded on Friday by the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, were reportedly responsible for the kidnapping of seven individuals between May and September 2024.
The other suspects include Onokrese Jacob (34), Henry Emmanuel (34), Joseph Udomah (42), Abiola Oduyemi (41), Abbey Emmanuel (34), and Jimoh Kareem (39).
Alamutu described Alese as the leader of a “vicious syndicate” with a lengthy criminal record, noting that Alese had previously been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in 2022 for kidnapping two women in Ibadan and is currently facing trial at the High Court in Ibadan.
Narrating one of the incidents, Alamutu said, “On the 16th of May, 2024, at about 8:28 am, this vicious syndicate led by Azeez Abolaji Alese attacked a woman named Busari Abiola as she tried to drive into her home in Sagamu. She was subsequently kidnapped and driven away in her unregistered 2009 Ash-colored Corolla.”
The kidnappers eventually released Abiola but kept her vehicle.
The gang’s other high-profile abductions included attacks on Adebayo Olabisi, abducted in Ijebu Ode in her Highlander Jeep, and Omosehin Tanwa, kidnapped in Ijebu Mushin on June 2.
Alamutu disclosed that the gang’s final attack occurred on September 5, when they abducted nurse Uruakpa Elizabeth from Babcock University at gunpoint from her red Toyota Camry.
The arrest of suspect Abiola Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, on October 3 led investigators to the other gang members.
Oduyemi confessed to his involvement and provided key details that allowed the police to track down his accomplices.
Alamutu also revealed Alese’s criminal history, stating, “It should be noted that Azeez Alese was earlier arrested on January 14, 2016, for kidnapping an expatriate along Sagamu-Ogijo Road and is facing charges in court. He was granted bail on April 26th, 2024, but resumed criminal activities shortly after.”
The police recovered a browning pistol, criminal charms, and several personal items linked to victims, including a Babcock University key holder, during the arrest.
Alamutu assured the public that the suspects would soon face prosecution and urged travelers to exercise caution and plan their journeys carefully.
