Pat Stephen/
A 38-year-old man has told the police in Lagos how he allegedly masterminded the kidnap of his boss’ brother-in-law to raise money for his father-in-law’s burial.
William Owolabi told policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad how one Hilary Azuka, 36, and his girlfriend Rebecca Omokaro, 32, were kidnapped at the Oniru area of Lagos.
Owolabi and two other suspects were paraded on Tuesday by the Acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Imohimi Edgal.
Edgal told reporters at the parade: “On the 21st day of October 2017, at about 2:30am, four armed men later known to be kidnappers trailed Hilary Azuka and one Rebecca Omokaro to their house at Plot 2, Block 7 Elegba Festival Drive, Oniru private estate on Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The kidnappers tied the legs and hands of the victims with cello tape and also plastered their mouths with cello tape. They took them with their Ford jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES to their hideout at Agodo Alara, Ogijo, in Ogun State. Upon information received by this office, SARS detectives swung into action and arrested one William Olowolabi, Ayo Akinola and Segun Teluwo. Investigation conducted so far revealed that the group demanded N20million as ransom from the victims before they will release them.
“The mastermind of the kidnapping is one of the victim’s elder sister’s driver known as William. Police recovered one locally made short gun, one battle knife, nylon cello tape, four ATM cards and one Ford Jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES. Diligent investigation will be conducted and the suspects will be charged to court.”
The prime suspect, Owolabi, told journalists that he planned the kidnap to raise money for his father-in-law’s burial.
He said, “It started last month when I told my boss who is a white man that I needed a loan of N100,000 for a burial, but he said there was no money. I discussed with a friend of mine, one Akin Adedamola and he told me that we can kidnap my boss’ brother and get more than enough for the burial.
“Akin went with us for the operation. We trailed Azuka to the ‘Why Not’ hotel where he usually hangs out at night. He was drunk and sitting in his car, that was when the idea to kidnap him hit me. We followed him to the house and when he got to the gate, we swung on him and turned the car back to our base at Ogijo. A lady was with him in the car. Akin was with us all through the operation, I went to buy drinks while the others kept watch over them.”
Ayo, the second suspect, accused Owolabi of demanding N20million ransom. Owolabi denied.
Owolabi, however, accused the police of releasing one Akin Adedamola, whom he described as one of the gang members who allegedly participated in the kidnap.
He said, “When we were arrested and taken to SARS, we gave our statements but the police released Adedamola. He is not in detention with us.”
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