The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping of a Chinese expatriate and arrested two suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly plotting to demand a ransom of ₦50 million from the victim.
The operation, which followed intelligence gathering by operatives of the Obalende Division, led to the arrest of Chinedu Onwuemena, 41, and Jimoh Ojo, 37, while security agencies have launched a manhunt for another suspect who escaped.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were apprehended on June 9, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating that a kidnapping operation was being planned along the Ijebu Ode–Odogbolu Expressway corridor.
Acting swiftly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer deployed surveillance and tactical teams to the identified location, leading to the interception of the suspects before the plot could be executed.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to abduct a Chinese national and subsequently demand a ransom of ₦50 million from the victim’s associates and employers.
Detectives further uncovered that Onwuemena, who reportedly worked as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company, allegedly used his insider access and knowledge of operational movements to facilitate the planned abduction.
Security sources disclosed that the conspiracy involved additional collaborators, with one key accomplice currently on the run. Investigators are pursuing fresh leads aimed at dismantling the wider network behind the failed operation.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for an extensive investigation and possible prosecution of all individuals connected to the plot.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their vigilance, professionalism and rapid response, noting that their intervention prevented what could have become a major kidnapping incident with significant security implications.
Ojajuni also highlighted the critical role of intelligence sharing in combating crime, urging residents and members of the business community to sustain collaboration with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence driven policing and proactive crime prevention, assuring residents and investors that Ogun State remains determined to protect lives, property and legitimate business activities from criminal threats.
According to the statement signed by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible information through its emergency and security channels to strengthen ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes.