Ogun police rescue kidnapped journalist in Lagos

By Christopher Oji

The police have rescued a journalist who was abducted in Ogun State in Lagos.

The journalist, Oduneye Olusegun, who was kidnapped on March 9 by some gunmen at Mobalufon, Ijebu Ode, was rescued at the weekend by the police who stormed the kidnappers’ den at Egbeda Lagos.

Giving a graphic account on how the journalist, was abducted and rescued, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, said: “He was coming from Abeokuta and was kidnapped at the Mobalufon area in his Toyota Camry car, at about 7:50pm, on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

“The abductors later called his wife through the victim’s phone the following morning, and demanded N30 million as ransom. Upon the report, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frank Mba directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Obalende divisional headquarters,  Murphy Salami, within 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 Idimu, 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 gunshot injuries.

“The victim’s car, which was soaked with the kidnappers blood as a result of gunshot injuries, was recovered by the police team. Having realised that the game was over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative than to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt.”

Meanwhile, CP Mba, who commended his men for their gallantry and professional conduct, appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals and traditional healers, to inform the police if anybody with gunshot injury is seen in their area. The CP also warned criminals to steer clear from Ogun State, as the command was battle ready to take the fight to their doorstep.