Two Kidnappers Neutralised as Police Free Abducted Ogun Businessman

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have eliminated two suspected kidnappers and secured the release of a well-known businessman, Alhaji Hassan Atoyebi, from captivity without paying the N30 million ransom demanded by the abductors.

Atoyebi was seized last Monday night at his residence in the Onipanu area of Ota after the gang allegedly tricked him by switching off his generator to lure him outside.

The armed men reportedly stormed the compound around 8:14pm, forced him into the nearby bush, and later reached out to his family, insisting that N30 million must be paid before he could regain his freedom.

Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, who addressed journalists on Thursday, said the Command’s tactical units launched a coordinated response that resulted in the neutralisation of two members of the kidnapping gang and the safe rescue of the victim.

“The kidnappers switched off the running generator to deceive the occupants,” Odutola explained. “Thinking it was a fault, the victim and another person came out to check. They were ambushed and Atoyebi was taken away.”

She further disclosed that the suspects also escaped with several items including N900,000 cash, a PoS device, three mobile phones, a power bank, and the keys to a Highlander and Corolla.

According to Odutola, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, immediately activated a joint rescue mission involving operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Crime Section, Surveillance Squad, So-Safe Corps, vigilantes, and local hunters.

“Our operatives stormed the criminals’ hideout along a creek where two of the kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle. Others escaped with gunshot wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family,” she said.

Items including mobile phones and vehicle keys belonging to the victim were recovered from the scene.

While praising officers who took part in the raid, CP Ogunlowo reaffirmed that the state would remain “too hot for criminals.”

“This command will ensure that Ogun State remains unsafe for kidnappers and other criminal elements,” the Commissioner stated. “We will not relent in defending our residents.”

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Residents of Onipanu and surrounding areas, who have been anxious following recent kidnapping incidents around border communities, applauded the police for the swift rescue.

A community member who witnessed part of the response but preferred anonymity told reporters, “We couldn’t sleep after he was taken. The police response brought relief to the community. We are happy he returned alive.”

This rescue is among several recent breakthroughs by the Command. In July, two suspected kidnappers were killed in Owode-Egba during a similar operation that freed three abducted residents of Ajebo community.