In a decisive operation, officers from the Obalende Division of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended two individuals and prevented a planned kidnapping targeting a Chinese citizen along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway corridor.
The suspects, identified as Chinedu Onwuemena, 41, and Jimoh Ojo, 37, were taken into custody on Monday at approximately 5:30 PM. The breakthrough came following credible intelligence that prompted an immediate response from the Divisional Police Officer.
Acting on the tip-off, the DPO quickly mobilized personnel, including the Surveillance Team, to the designated area where the suspects were intercepted and arrested, effectively aborting the criminal operation. Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the details in a statement released on Thursday.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the duo conspired to abduct a Chinese national and demand a ransom of ₦50 million. Notably, Onwuemena, who served as an interpreter and driver within the company, allegedly exploited his position to facilitate the plot. Babaseyi further revealed that the arrested suspects were not acting alone; another accomplice remains at large, with efforts underway to track and capture the fugitive.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni lauded the professionalism and swift action of the Obalende Division operatives, emphasizing that their proactive response averted a potentially serious kidnapping incident. He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and crime prevention, assuring residents and businesses of continued vigilance against criminal elements.