Operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja
police command, Lagos State have finally hunted down the alleged mastermind of the kidnap of Durodola Muwalu, manager and younger brother of the owner of Dam-jay Hotel located in Ikorodu, Prince Jacob Araba. He is Adekoya Oni, a native of Agbowa Ikosi in Epe Local Government Area and a herbalist with about 27 years experience.
It was reported two weeks ago that SARS tracked and arrested a four-man gang of kidnapers in their hideout in Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State. In the process, they also rescued their latest victim, Durodola Muwalu, who had been in their custody for 11 days.
The suspects were Felix Ikuomola, Gbenga Popoola, Sunday Akibi and Azeez Olowu. In their confessional statement, they alleged that a certain man, known to them as Baba Agbodi (Adekoya) was the one who gave them the contract and also provided all necessary details and logistics.
On the circumstances surrounding his arrest,Saturday Sun gathered that Adekoya, on realising that his game was up, left town with an excuse that he went to visit his sick mother. Two weeks later, he returned in the hope that police had stopped searching for him.
He was said to have bragged to the community that, although the gang mentioned him during their confession, no policeman would dare enter his shrine. He was later arrested inside his shrine while attending to his customers.
Face-to-face with his accusers, Adekoya claimed that the only reason he allowed them to go ahead with the kidnapping was because Prince Jacob Araba, who is known as a generous philanthropist, bought cars for the community leaders and exempted him.
“I am the son of the former baale (traditional ruler) in our community and a renowned herbalist. I deserve all the respect I should get in this community. So, I felt bad that Prince Araba shared cars and did not give me. I was happy when these boys consulted me. I did not give them the contract, I only consented to the kidnap.”
He admitted that the gang met with him twice in his office.
“I have known Gbenga for a long time. We met when his mother brought his pregnant wife to me for prayers. I told them what to do and they failed to abide by my instruction. The baby died at birth.
“So, I was not surprised when he came with four other young men to seek my consent. I only told them that it was a good idea and advised them that it would be better to kidnap his brother, Muwalu. The person that I have issues with is the brother of Prince Araba; he is the one who advised Prince Araba not to include my name in the list of those who he bought cars for. Muwalu is a wicked, greedy man and I know that Prince Araba will pay anything to save his brother. My only crime here is that I did not report to the police, but it was their idea,”
However, members of the gang, who are still in police custody, insist that he was the mastermind of the abduction.Daring him to refute their claim, Azeez said that during the meeting, when they raised the issue of police, he assured that he would exonerate them.
“He is lying. I dare him to refute his statement during our last meeting that if we were arrested, he would stand and ask for our release. He said that policemen fear him. This was why, as soon as we were arrested, we mentioned his name. I am shocked that he could deny us even while alive.’
On what really transpired, Azeez alleged that Oju called them that there was a need to arrange a job so that he could raise money for his child’s naming ceremony.
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