Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a criminal hideout disguised as a shrine in the Idimu area of the state, arresting no fewer than 13 suspects linked to kidnapping, “one-chance” robbery and advance-fee fraud, Prime Business Africa reports.
The discovery followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the command, who initially intercepted three suspects during a stop-and-search exercise. Further investigations led the police to a building located along Pipeline Road, Idimu, which was being used as the gang’s operational base.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly operated a coordinated syndicate that targeted commuters and unsuspecting members of the public. Victims were reportedly lured into vehicles under false pretences, including offers to exchange foreign currency, fake investment opportunities or promises of business assistance.
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Police sources said the building, outwardly presented as a shrine, served as a detention point for victims who resisted the gang or were unable to immediately part with money. In some cases, relatives of detained victims were allegedly contacted and pressured to pay ransom before their release.
Among those arrested are individuals believed to be key members of the syndicate, including an ex-convict recently released from prison and a woman said to have posed as a prophetess to deceive and extort victims. Investigations also revealed that the gang was linked to both “one-chance” operations and advance-fee fraud schemes.
Items recovered from the hideout included weapons and other materials believed to have been used in carrying out the crimes. The police also identified vehicles, including commercial buses and private cars, allegedly deployed by the suspects to pick up victims across different parts of Lagos.
Speaking on the development, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said the operation was part of sustained efforts by the command to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state. He assured residents that the police would continue intelligence-driven patrols and targeted operations to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
