In a shocking revelation, two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of Folasade Odumosu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, have confessed that they kept her hidden in a bush behind her house for over a week. The suspects, Agbojule Smart, aged 27, and Keleke Michael, aged 30, were arrested by the Nigerian police after a daring rescue operation that saw two other members of the kidnapping gang neutralized.
Folasade Odumosu was abducted on January 18, 2025, at the entrance of her residence in Arepo, located within the Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The kidnappers ambushed her as she arrived at her home and forcefully dragged her out of her Lexus SUV. The gang then took her through a swampy area to an undisclosed location, where she was held captive for nine days.
Speaking to the police after their arrest, the two suspects explained that they were given the job by a man whose identity they could not reveal. They claimed that they were part of a five-member gang, with two other members still at large. The suspects also admitted to having been armed with locally-made firearms during the abduction.
According to the suspects, they kept Mrs. Odumosu hidden in a bush located behind her house, a place surrounded by palm trees, which made it difficult for anyone to spot her. “We hid her at the back of her house. There are plenty of palm trees there. If someone hides there, you cannot see the person,” one of the suspects said.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N40 million from the Odumosu family for her release. However, after several negotiations, the family was able to raise N20 million, which was paid to the captors. The suspects admitted that after receiving the ransom money, they shared it among themselves. Each of the five gang members reportedly received N4.25 million.
“We took her to the bush behind her house, and we kept her there for like one week and two days. We demanded N40 million and they paid N20 million,” one of the suspects explained. “We shared the money, and I collected N4.25 million, while my ‘brothers’ (gang members) also collected the same amount.”
The Nigerian police successfully rescued Mrs. Odumosu on January 23, 2025, following a coordinated operation. During the rescue, the police were able to neutralize two other gang members who had been involved in the abduction. The police operation was a joint effort by officers from both Ogun State and the Nigerian Police Force, working together to ensure the safe return of the victim.
The details of the abduction and the subsequent ransom payment have raised serious concerns about the growing menace of kidnapping in Nigeria. The fact that the suspects could confidently carry out such a daring operation so close to the victim’s home speaks to the audacity of criminals involved in these types of crimes.
The abduction of Mrs. Odumosu is just one of many high-profile kidnapping cases that have plagued Nigeria in recent years. Kidnapping for ransom has become an increasingly common crime, with many wealthy individuals, politicians, and businesspeople being targeted by criminal gangs who see them as lucrative sources for ransom payments. This latest incident has drawn attention to the rising insecurity in the country and the need for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In the wake of the rescue, both the police and the Odumosu family have expressed their gratitude for the safe return of Mrs. Odumosu. The police have vowed to continue their investigation to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who are still on the run. “We will not stop until all those responsible for this crime are brought to justice,” a police spokesperson said.
Retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu, who had served as a high-ranking officer in the Nigerian Police Force, has remained silent on the details of the kidnapping. However, his family has expressed relief at the safe return of Mrs. Odumosu. “We are grateful to the Nigerian police for their swift response and the successful rescue of my wife,” said one of the family members.
The case of Folasade Odumosu’s abduction highlights the increasing dangers faced by Nigerian citizens, particularly those with perceived wealth or influence. While the police were able to recover the ransom money and rescue the victim, many questions remain about the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing the broader issue of kidnapping. The suspects’ claim that they were hired by an unknown individual raises concerns about the extent to which criminal networks are operating in the country, with no clear accountability for those who order such crimes.
The involvement of locally-made firearms in the abduction also underscores the ease with which criminals acquire weapons, further complicating efforts to restore law and order. This issue has been a point of contention in Nigeria, where the illegal arms trade remains rampant and poses a significant threat to public safety.
As the investigation into the kidnapping continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. The government has also promised to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes that have become prevalent in the country. However, for many Nigerians, the question remains: what more can be done to protect citizens from the growing threat of kidnapping and other forms of crime?
