Three pastors, herbalist arrested for kidnapping in Ogun

70-yr-old mother, son for robbery

By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTA—Men of Ogun State Special Anti Robbery Squad, led by Officer-in-Charge, Tijani Muhammed, have arrested three pastors and a herbalist for allegedly kidnapping a United State-based Nigerian in the state.

A 70-year-old woman, Monilola Lateef, her son, Modiu, and two others were also arrested for alleged armed robbery in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Parading the suspects, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, told newsmen that the three pastors and one herbalist belong to a five-man gang of kidnappers, who had been terrorising residents of Ijebu area of the state.

Adejobi said the suspects were arrested, Tuesday, at Ita-Marun, Ijebu Ode, by men of the state Anti-Robbery Squad.

He said the  suspects, including Ganiyu Olaiya, Segun Makanjuola, Bisi Akinleye and Bayo Adekunle, were arrested for allegedly abducting a man who just retur-ned to the country from abroad.

According to him, the three Christian clerics and herbalist deceived their victim with an offer of spiritual assistance for certain personal problems he was having.

He said: “The fifth member of the gang lost his life during an exchange of fire with the police at their hideout.

“Police recovered one locally-made pistol loaded with cartridges and one Cherokee jeep with number plates LND 25 CE from the suspects.”

The police spokesman said the suspects kidnapped their victim after tricking him into their hideout.

He said 70-year-old Lateef was arrested along with the gang members for allegedly assisting his 35-year-old son, Modiu Lateef, who sustained gunshot injuries during an operation, to get treatment from a herbalist.

 

Three pastors, herbalist arrested for kidnapping in Ogun