The Ogun State police command has foiled a planned kidnapping of a Chinese national and arrested two suspects over an alleged N50 million ransom plot.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abeokuta.

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Mr Babaseyi said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following credible intelligence.

He said the intelligence indicated an imminent kidnapping attempt along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu expressway corridor.

According to him, operatives of the Obalende Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilised to the area and intercepted the suspects.

He said preliminary investigation showed that the suspects conspired to abduct a Chinese national and demand a ransom of N50 million.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects conspire to abduct a Chinese national and plot to demand a ransom of N50 million. One of the suspects used his position as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company environment to facilitate the plot,” he said.

He added that investigations noted that the suspects acted with another accomplice currently at large.

The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover the full extent of the criminal network.

He hinted that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response.

Mr Ojajuni said the operation prevented what could have resulted in a serious kidnapping incident.

He also praised the role of timely intelligence and community partnership in crime prevention and security management.

The commissioner reassured residents and the business community of the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies. 

(NAN)