The Ogun Police Command has arrested two members of a Cameroonian human trafficking syndicate allegedly involved in luring and kidnapping unsuspecting victims under the pretext of visa processing.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday.
Odutola said the suspects, identified as Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Mowe.
She said that the suspects were arrested following a distress call from a Cameroonian victim who escaped captivity.
She explained further that the victim was deceived from Cameroon into Nigeria on Sept. 29 by one Donald, who is also a Cameroonian, and promised to help her secure a Canadian visa.
“Upon her arrival at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, she and her 23-year-old sister were taken to Mowe area in Ogun where they were held hostage.
“Following credible intelligence, our tactical team stormed the criminal hideout at Pakuro, Mowe, and rescued one victim, Kengne Maeva, unhurt.
“Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while the principal suspect, Donald, is currently at large,” Odutola said.
Odutola said that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims’ family members had paid a ransom of 3.6million CFA Francs into the bank account of the fleeing suspect Donald.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered sustained surveillance on similar criminal trends.
She added that the commissioner has directed tactical commanders to collaborate with community leaders and development associations to report suspicious foreign nationals renting apartments.
Odutola reiterated that the Ogun Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to ensure that criminals find no hiding place in the state.
