Police foil N50m kidnap plot against Chinese national, arrest suspects

The Ogun State Police Command has thwarted an alleged plot to abduct a Chinese expatriate and arrested two suspects linked to a planned N50 million ransom operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, noting that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following actionable intelligence received by the police.

According to Babaseyi, intelligence reports indicated a planned kidnapping operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway axis, prompting officers of the Obalende Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to swiftly deploy to the area.

He said the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested the suspects before the alleged plan could be executed.

Babaseyi explained that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects had allegedly conspired to kidnap a Chinese national and demand a ransom of N50 million for his release.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects conspired to abduct a Chinese national and planned to demand a ransom of N50 million. One of the suspects exploited his position as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company to facilitate the plot,” he said.

The police spokesman further disclosed that investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect who remains at large.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and determine the full scope of the criminal operation.

According to him, the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and swift action.

Ojajuni noted that the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major kidnapping incident.

He also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and cooperation from members of the public in strengthening security and preventing crime.

The police commissioner reassured residents and members of the business community of the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive security measures.

He urged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to law enforcement agencies.

Police foil N50m kidnap plot against Chinese national, arrest suspects