Why we kidnapped, released Lagos monarch – Suspect

One of the two suspected nine kidnappers who abducted the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni has confessed that they received the N15.1-million ransom for the release of the Oba in two instalments.

He narrated that he got involved in kidnapping as security agencies had thwarted their bunkering activities, and that they released the monarch after they had received N15.1 million from the family.

Isaiah Ododem, who made the confession when he was paraded with his partner in crime Toba Forejo after they were both arrested on Sunday at Iyana School in Lagos further informed that an initial ransom of N12 million and a subsequent ransom of N3.1 million was received by the gang members.

But Fatai Owoseni, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police noted that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not for the release of the Oba.

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“We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspect will not be arrested and what I will say is that the pressure by the Lagos Command and the Special Response Team of the Inspector General of Police from Abuja, the combined efforts and pressure paid off and the most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.”

The two men were arrested by a special force of security operatives under the code name ‘Operation Awatse’.

The suspects said they dumped oil bunkering due to its unfavourable nature especially with the renewed efforts of government against those involved in such a crime.

Mr. Isaiah while recounting how they kidnapped the Oba said: “I was involved in illegal bunkering. As this government stopped bunkering, our leaders arranged another group and this mission of the new group was to start kidnapping and use it to manage ourselves since we can’t do oil bunkering again. I am a married man; I don’t have any job to do. We used to do security for those main guys and anytime they make about N500, 000 they will give us like N20, 000.”

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