The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a criminal hideout disguised as a shrine in the Idimu area of the state, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects linked to kidnapping and “one-chance” fraud operations.
At least 13 suspects were arrested following the discovery of the premises along Pipeline Road, Idimu. The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, took journalists on a tour of the location on Wednesday, January 21, describing it as an operational base used by a notorious criminal syndicate.
According to the police boss, the suspects belong to a gang involved in “one-chance” robbery and kidnapping across Lagos State. Their arrest followed intelligence-led stop-and-search operations conducted in the early hours of Sunday, January 18.
Jimoh said three suspects were initially intercepted at Bode Thomas in Surulere while operating in a vehicle allegedly used to pick up unsuspecting members of the public, particularly at night and during early morning hours.
“The syndicate usually lures victims under the pretence of selling dollars or offering fake investment schemes that promise to double money,” Jimoh said. “When victims cooperate and are successfully defrauded, they are released. But when victims resist, they are taken to this shrine, locked inside, and their relatives are contacted for ransom.”
The police commissioner identified the alleged leader of the gang as Demola Adelua, who he said has been operating for over eight years and controls at least six operational teams across Lagos.
Jimoh noted that while Lagos does not experience widespread cases of conventional kidnapping, many “one-chance” criminal operations escalate into kidnapping when victims refuse to submit to fraud.
He added that the gang frequently targeted worshippers heading to mosques and churches in the early hours of the morning, exploiting limited public movement and reduced police presence.
“Only two formal complaints were initially received, which prompted the establishment of tactical stop-and-search points in the affected areas,” Jimoh said. “The suspects arrested during the operation led officers to this location.”
A search of the premises led to the recovery of weapons allegedly used in carrying out criminal activities. Subsequent raids in the surrounding area resulted in the arrest of additional suspects, bringing the total number apprehended to 14, according to police.
The commissioner further disclosed that the syndicate operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna commonly used to pick up victims from bus stops and other public locations.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to dismantle the network and recover more evidence.
