Ola Akinwunmi
The Ogun State Police Command has successfully foiled a planned abduction in the Abigi area, arresting a notorious fugitive and recovering arms, as part of a broader security sweep across the state.
Clement Elijah, a wanted serial kidnapper linked to a high-profile 2024 abduction in Ajelanwa village, was arrested on June 13 by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. According to police spokesperson Omolola Odutola.
Elijah had returned to Ibiade community with a plot to kidnap a prominent resident of Ago Village in Abigi. His plan was disrupted through coordinated action between security operatives and alert residents.
“Elijah arrived Ibiade community with the intention of abducting a notable individual in Ago Village. Thanks to timely intelligence and community support, his plan was foiled,” Odutola said in a statement issued Tuesday.
Further operations led to the arrest of the gang’s alleged armourer, Posi Friday, on June 16. Police recovered a pump-action rifle, a locally made pistol, and eight live cartridges, which had been concealed in a Boom Speaker.
Commending the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, praised the vigilance of the Ibiade and Abigi communities, calling their support “critical” in the disruption of the kidnapping plot.
“We appreciate the continued collaboration with local communities. It plays a vital role in our ongoing fight against violent crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate curb, the command also confirmed the arrest of 14 suspected cultists belonging to rival groups in Ijebu Ode.
The Anti-Cultism team apprehended the suspects on June 16 as they allegedly planned a violent confrontation tied to their institution’s signing-out celebration. The arrests were made across Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas.
“These suspects were intercepted while assembling to execute a supremacy clash. Their plans were neutralized before any violence could erupt,” Odutola stated.
All suspects, along with recovered weapons, are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Investigations are ongoing.
