Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Ogun Over Alleged Abduction of Soldier
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a man identified as Wasiu Oloyede in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a Nigerian soldier and the unlawful possession of military camouflage.
The suspect, who has been nicknamed “The New Anini” on social media by some users because of the nature of the allegations against him, was apprehended in the Odo Pako area of Ota, Ogun State, during a police operation.
According to security sources, Oloyede and members of his gang allegedly abducted a soldier on Friday in the Alagbado area of Lagos State. The victim was reportedly taken to the gang’s hideout, where he was stripped of his military uniform and dispossessed of his identity card, ATM cards and mobile phone.
The soldier was, however, said to have escaped from captivity before the suspects could carry out any further harm and subsequently alerted the appropriate security authorities.
Police investigations reportedly led operatives to Odo Pako in Ota on Sunday, where the suspect was arrested while allegedly wearing the stolen military uniform. Authorities believe the oversized camouflage recovered from him belonged to the abducted soldier.
Investigators further alleged that before his arrest, the suspect attempted to snatch a locally made Dane gun from a member of a local vigilante group while dressed in the military uniform in what appeared to be an effort to intimidate residents and evade suspicion.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to face investigation over allegations bordering on kidnapping, impersonation, unlawful possession of military property and other related offences.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down other members of the gang who reportedly fled after the victim escaped from captivity. Police say investigations are ongoing and have urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist in the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Authorities also cautioned the public against sharing unverified information or sensational labels while investigations are still ongoing, noting that criminal liability can only be determined by a competent court of law after due process.