The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a den disguised as a shrine and operated by suspected kidnappers in the Idimu area, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led journalists on a tour of the premises along Pipeline Road on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. He confirmed that the suspects were members of a notorious “one-chance” and kidnapping syndicate operating across the state.
The arrests followed intelligence-led stop-and-search operations carried out in the early hours of Sunday. Three suspects were initially intercepted at Bode Thomas, Surulere, while operating a vehicle allegedly used to pick up unsuspecting members of the public at night and in the early morning hours.
Jimoh said the gang typically lured victims with promises of dollar sales or fake investment schemes, taking them to the shrine if they refused to cooperate. “This gang is led by one Demola Adelua, who has operated for over eight years and controls six operational teams across Lagos State,” he said.
He explained that victims who resisted fraud were locked inside a room they call a shrine, while their relatives were contacted to pay ransom. The commissioner noted that while Lagos does not have rampant conventional kidnapping, “one-chance” schemes often escalate into abductions when victims refuse to comply.
The gang reportedly targeted worshippers going to mosques and churches early in the morning, exploiting limited movement and low police presence. Only two formal complaints were initially received, prompting the establishment of tactical stop-and-search points in the area.
Following the initial arrests, police raided the surrounding area, recovering weapons and apprehending additional members, bringing the total to 14. The gang is believed to have operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, used to transport victims from bus stops and other locations. Investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining vehicles.
During the tour, several suspects gave accounts of their involvement. Rotimi Adilola confirmed the premises were used as the gang’s operational base, while Amos Ogunna claimed ownership of the shrine, describing it as similar to a church.
Emmanuel Njoku, arrested at Bode Thomas, explained how victims were lured: “We tell them we are going to Lagos. Somebody will say she has dollars. Anyone who is greedy will ask questions. From there, we interview the person and bring them here.” He added that those who cooperated were sometimes released with transport fare.
A female suspect, Tina Willy from Akwa Ibom State, revealed she joined the group after her husband died, saying she witnessed victims being kidnapped and ransomed when they refused to comply. Another suspect admitted to a prior fraud-related imprisonment involving N300,000.
Jimoh assured residents that the police are intensifying security measures to dismantle all elements of the syndicate, including those from neighboring states. He highlighted the deployment of tactical teams, undercover “walk-and-operate” squads, a coast drive strike force, and a soon-to-be-launched anti-crime patrol and community protection squad.
“I want to assure Lagosians that they can go about their lawful businesses without fear. Full deployment has been carried out across the nooks and crannies of the state,” the CP added.
