The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued a 14-year-old kidnap victim and apprehended 27 suspects in connection with various criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement released by the command, 14-year-old Hassan was abducted in the Olodi-Apapa area on May 1, 2025, at approximately 2:50 p.m. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for the teenager's release.
Following a swift and coordinated response, police officers were deployed to the designated ransom drop-off point at Total Filling Station, Wema Bridge, Apapa, where they arrested one of the suspects, 25-year-old Musa Shaibu. Further investigations led to a hotel in Ajegunle, where Hassan was discovered unharmed and reunited with his family.
The hotel manager, 41-year-old Remilekun Ajilola, was also arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
Multiple Criminal Cases Resolved
The rescue operation is among 12 criminal cases handled by the Lagos State Police Command in the past two weeks. During this period, 27 suspects were apprehended for offences including kidnapping, murder, defilement, armed robbery, vandalism, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Police also recovered significant evidence and contraband, including two firearms, seven rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, a tricycle, three battle axes, three cutlasses, charms, and other prohibited items.
Cultism and Armed Robbery Arrests
In a related operation on April 27, police responded to a distress call in Alagbado where suspected cultists attacked a 25-year-old man, Quadri, with machetes. Officers arrested two suspects, 26-year-old Riliwan Afuape and 29-year-old Bamidele Ayobami, while the injured victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Ile-Epo for treatment.
Similarly, on April 28, two armed robbery suspects were rescued from mob justice in the Suru Alaba area of Ajegunle. The suspects, 25-year-olds Azeez Anafi, alias "Stainless," and Damilare Brown, were taken into custody. Recovered from them were a locally made pistol, one expended cartridge, and a suspected stolen tricycle.
The duo is accused of fatally shooting a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Abubakar, during an attempt to rob him of his bike. His remains have been deposited at a public morgue for autopsy.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the command, reiterated the force's commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh. He assured Lagos residents of ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain peace across the state.
