Police bust kidnappers’ shrine disguised hideout, nab suspects in Lagos

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a kidnappers’ den cleverly masquerading as a traditional shrine in the Idimu area, arresting 13 suspects including a woman linked to a ruthless “one-chance” and kidnapping syndicate.

The raid exposed the gang’s eight-year reign of terror, led by notorious kingpin Demola Adelua.

Posing as investment brokers offering lucrative dollar sales and fake schemes, the criminals lured unsuspecting victims into their traps.

Cooperative targets were released, but resistors faced confinement in the shrine-like hideout, with relatives hit up for ransom payments.

Lagos Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh highlighted the operation’s significance during a briefing.

“While conventional kidnappings remain rare in the state, these ‘one-chance’ gangs frequently escalate to abductions when victims resist their scams,” he explained.

The syndicate preyed on early-morning worshippers heading to mosques and churches, capitalizing on sparse crowds and minimal police patrols.

Police recovered incriminating items from the site, and investigations continue to uncover the full network.

The suspects remain in custody as the command vows to eradicate such threats.