Ogun police thwart kidnap attempt, arrest wanted suspect
The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnap operation and arrested a notorious suspect who had been on the run since 2024. The operation also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons used by the criminal gang.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest of Clement Elijah, a serial kidnapper linked to a high-profile abduction in Ajelanwa village. Elijah had escaped when two of his accomplices were apprehended during the 2024 incident.
According to the police, Elijah returned to Ibiade community on June 13, 2025, plotting to kidnap a prominent resident of Ago Village, Abigi. However, his plan was thwarted due to timely intelligence shared between the police and alert community members.
Following a clearance operation on June 16, the gang’s armourer, identified as Posi Friday, was arrested. Recovered from him were a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, and eight live cartridges ingeniously hidden inside a Boom Speaker.
Commending the success of the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, praised the cooperation of the Ibiade and Abigi communities. He noted that their vigilance and communication were crucial to the breakthrough.
In a separate development, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command arrested 14 suspected cultists involved in a brewing supremacy clash. The arrests took place across Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas of Ijebu Ode as the suspects gathered to mark a tertiary institution’s signing-out ceremony on June 16.
The suspects are currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue.
The Ogun State Police Command has assured residents of regular updates and urged the public to maintain their support in ensuring safety and security across the state.
