Lagos police arrest three suspects in cross-state kidnapping syndicate

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a cross-state kidnapping syndicate involved in the abduction of a businesswoman in the Ijedodo area of Lagos. The suspects, identified as Semi Buawe, 35; Oluwatomi Obosi, 37; and Bamure Telemowei, were traced to a hideout in the Agadagba community of Ondo State.

According to police investigations, the gang planned the operation in Ondo State before traveling to Lagos to target individuals they perceived as wealthy. The victim was reportedly held for three days until her family paid a N21 million ransom. One suspect, Obosi, allegedly claimed his involvement was motivated by a need to raise funds for his marriage, while Buawe stated he had previously attempted to leave kidnapping activities before being persuaded to join the operation.

The alleged gang leader, identified only as ‘ID’, remains at large. Authorities believe the syndicate operates across state boundaries, moving between Ondo and Lagos to execute crimes and evade capture.