Operatives of Lagos State Police Command have arrested two Pakistanis for allegedly kidnaping a fellow Pakistani in Ikeja.
The command’s pokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement in Lagos yesterday, said the arrest of the “vicious and notorious Pakistanis” was a huge success.
According to Hundeyin, a distress call was received by the police at Ikeja Division on Wednesday about the kidnap of a 48-year-old Pakistani within the area.
“An anti-crime patrol from the division was swiftly deployed, leading to the rescue of the victim and arrest of two of the captors, aged 19 and 28, while five other Pakistanis escaped,” he said.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was lured to Lagos State from Kano.
“The two suspects and five others (allegedly) lured the victim to Lagos from his base in Kano under the pretext that they have a job for him as a chef.
“The suspects booked the victim’s flight to Lagos and lodged him in a hotel on February 28.
“The next day, the seven suspects visited the victim, overpowered him, tied his hands and legs and sent a message to his boss in Kano to pay N50 million as ransom for his release or else he would be killed.
“The boss paid N1 million three days later to buy time and thereafter alerted the police, ” Hundeyin said.
The police spokesperson said an operational vehicle and a grey colour Toyota Camry salon car were recovered from the suspects.
“Also recovered was $2000 cash, three Automated Teller Machine, ATM, cards, green card, driver’s licence and National Identity Number, NIN, slip.
Hundeyin said concerted efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and arraign them in court.
According to him, the rescued victim is in good condition and has established contact with his family.
The spokesman quoted the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, as commending officers and men of Ikeja Division for a job well done.
He said the commissioner assured residents and visitors of the command’s total commitment to their safety and security at all times.