MICHAEL AKINOLA
An eight-man gang of kidnappers did the unthinkable as they invaded a Mosque, kidnapped the Imam with a top business man and obtained millions of Naira as ransom after keeping them in captivity for three days before release in Ogun State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the armed men invaded Lutfulahi Mosque, abducted Alhaji Murithador Sadullahi Akanho Olamide, the Imam of Muhadul-iftai-wa-sadah Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, along with a businessman, Engr. Olayemi Arasi, CEO of Hollarams Technical Services Ltd in Lufuape and escaped.
The incident happened along Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, where the Mosque is located.
They were said to have shot sporadically before they forcibly took the cleric and the businessman to an undisclosed location, where they spent three days in captivity before regaining freedom on Monday, following the alleged payment of ransom by their families.
The identities of the kidnappers were not yet known as the Police have not made any arrests but some of the residents suspected the kidnappers to be foreigners and may have been contracted by local individuals for business-related motives over the manner they invaded the Mosque.
This was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, who stated that the victims were abducted on 22nd December, 2023, during the Ishahi prayer at Lutfulahi mosque, and they were released three days later.
She assured the public that the Police were making every efforts to track down the kidnappers and denied Police knowledge of payment of ransom to the kidnappers.
Odutola reiterated the Police’s commitment to addressing such criminal activities and urged collaboration to ensure the safety of citizens.
She stated, “The kidnapping occurred on December 22. According to the report, the Imam of Lutfulahi mosque, Alhaji Murithador Sadullahi Akanho Olamide, was abducted at approximately 19:45 (7:45 pm)”.
“A cleric reported the abduction of two individuals during the Ishahi prayer in the mosque. He revealed that suddenly, an eight-man gang of kidnappers, armed with assorted rifles, invaded the mosque and abducted the two victims, taking them to an unknown destination.”
“On December 25, they were released. We received a follow-up signal confirming their release at about 17:00 hours (5:00 pm) on Monday.
“I cannot confirm whether any ransom was paid, as Police officers do not concern ourselves with ransom payments. Our joy lies in the release of the victims.”
“In response to the question of whether the Command is aware and taking action to apprehend the perpetrators, yes, the command is aware, and no CP would tolerate such incidents.”
“We are always prepared to track down kidnappers and we have been consistently doing so.”
“When discussing individuals from Niger and Fulani, the Police do not make discriminatory statements. Our primary concern is apprehending those responsible for criminal acts” she stated.