The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping of a Chinese national and arrested two suspected conspirators linked to the plot.
The suspects, identified as Chinedu Onwuemena, 41, and Jimoh Ojo, 37, were arrested by operatives of the Obalende Police Division, following intelligence reports of an impending abduction along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the arrests were made at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, after the Divisional Police Officer received credible intelligence regarding the planned operation.
According to him, police operatives, including members of the division’s surveillance team, were immediately deployed to the identified location where the suspects were intercepted and arrested before carrying out the crime.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct a Chinese expatriate and demand a ransom of N50 million for his release.
Babaseyi disclosed that one of the suspects, Onwuemena, who worked as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company, allegedly exploited his position and access to facilitate the planned abduction.
The Police Spokesperson added that investigation revealed the suspects acted with another accomplice who is currently at large.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind the conspiracy.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers of the Obalende Division for acting promptly on intelligence that led to the successful operation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and the continued pursuit of criminal elements threatening public safety.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
