Police investigation reveals false kidnapping claim at Victory estate
Abdullateef Fowewe
Following a viral video depicting the alleged apprehension and humiliation of three men suspected of kidnapping in Victory Estate, Ago Palace, Lagos State, the Lagos State Police Command has said the video is false and misleading.
It may be recalled that Dailyeconomy had earlier reported that the Lagos Police had commenced an investigation to uproot the truth about alleged kidnappers humiliated in the circulated video.
However, in an update remark on Wednesday dusk by the Command Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, after a fact-finding meeting with Victory Estate representatives and one of the accused men, confirmed that there was no kidnapping incident and the three men were not kidnappers.
Hundeyin further noted that the investigation revealed that the men were visiting a friend in the estate on February 17, 2025, when an altercation with a tricycle rider led to confusion.
The Estate Association Chairman, Chief Security Officer, and a Security Committee member all confirmed to the CP that the men were not kidnappers and no kidnapping occurred, Hundeyin claimed.
He wrote, “In response to a viral video wherein some yet to-be-identified persons around Victory Estate, Ago Okota are seen beating and humiliating three (3) young men for being suspected kidnappers, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, today Wednesday, February 19, 2025 held a fact-finding meeting with the Chairman, Chief Security Officer, two other residents of Victory Estate and one of the men alleged in the video.
“After an extensive interview, it has been undisputedly proven that the three (3) men in the video are not kidnappers and there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate. The Chairman of the Estate Association told the CP that the people are not kidnappers, so also the Chief Security Officer and another Security Committee member equally told the CP that the three (3) men are not kidnappers and that there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate as seen falsely spread in the social media.
“It is concluded that the video is false, misleading and malicious to cause fear and apprehension in the Estate. The men had indeed gone to see their friend (who was also present at the CP’s meeting) at the Estate at about 10pm on Monday, February 17, 2025. An altercation between the three (3) men and a tricycle rider degenerated into pandemonium and confusion in the Estate at that time.”
However, the police enjoined Lagosians to verify information before sharing to avoid causing unnecessary panic and fear and warn against taking the law into their own hands.
The public is encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear, as the Police are present to ensure safety and security.
“The Lagos State Police Command hereby urges Lagosians to be cautious and verify news items before sharing them to avoid spreading panic and fear in the minds of the good people of Lagos State, which can cause threat to peace or which can lead to loss of life. People are implored not take laws into their hands.
“Consequently, Lagosians are therefore encouraged to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation and be assured that the Police is fully on ground to guarantee their safety and security always,” he summed up.
