Rescue of abducted children: The intrigues, rigmarole & frustrations behind Kidnapper nanny

The joy of the couple whose three children were abducted by a maid in Lagos knew no bounds, Wednesday, after they found their children, hale and hearty, dumped in a building at Shasha, a suburb of the city.

Before their eventual discovery, the couple had reportedly traversed round Lagos and other adjourning areas in company of operatives from the Special Investigations Bureau, SIB, attached to Lagos State Police command headquarters in Ikeja.

EARLY WARNING

Incidentally, few weeks before this abduction took place, the State Police Command had issued a release advising residents to always investigate properly and document the background of people they want to engage as house helps. They further advised that police should be fully involved during the process of engagement so that they would be able to document the identities of such people in order to avoid ugly incidents like this.

FAMILY RAISE ALARM

The missing Children

Police sources said immediately the distraught couple, Mr. and Mrs. Orekoya, raised alarm after discovering that a house help, Mary Akinloye abducted their children just 24 hours after she was employed by the family via OLX, an online sales portal, the State Police boss, Kayode Aderanti directed his men at Surulere to swing into action and carry out preliminary investigations.

Tension heightened the following day when instead of the maid showing up with the children, she spoke with the family on phone and handed over to an accomplice who gave them a two-day ultimatum to produce N15 million ransom with threats that they would lose the children if they failed to make the money available. In fact, it was gathered that the kidnappers used the word ‘delete ‘ to describe the extent they were ready to go if the family failed to comply with their demand. The traumatized mother of the children did not hesitate when she promised to PAY N10 million.

POLICE SWINGS INTO ACTION

Piqued by the development, the visibly worried Police boss then directed that the case be transferred to the Special Investigations Bureau, SIB, at the headquarters where the Superintendent of Police in-charge, Veronica Ameh-Akpa, a tested and highly intelligent officer, was detailed to set up a crack team with stern instructions to rescue the missing children and round up the kidnappers within 48 hours. That was how the stage was set for the melodrama, intrigues, frustrations and eventual rescue of the missing children.

Police sources intimated Crime Guard that the team led by one Supol Bright swung into action by constantly keeping discreet tab on the kidnappers who were busy issuing threats upon threats to the family. While negotiations were going on, operatives of the SIB were busy counselling the family, collecting data and at the same time, combing all nooks and crannies of the city of excellence in search of clues. Their efforts were also complemented by those of operatives from the dreaded Special anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, who swooped on all known criminal hide outs and black spots in search of the kidnappers.

APPREHENSION SETS IN

It was gathered that the hoodlums were very apprehensive and were expecting their ransom after they read that family members of the kidnapped children were publicly making frantic appeals to good spirited individuals, churches and cooperate bodies to help them raise the ransom in order to save their children.

They, therefore, increased their calls and demand for ransom with threats to ‘terminate lives of the children if the family should play pranks.’ They later reduced the ransom from N13 million to N8 million and then eventually to N2.5 million. A representative of the family was detailed to PAY it into the designated bank of their choice.

PAYMENT OF RANSOM AND CONNIVANCE WITH BANK OFFICIAL

That done, SIB agents were detailed to keep vigil permanently over the account with bank officials. The game plan was to allow the kidnapped have access to the ransom without hindrance. This was to re-assure them that it was paid and to safeguard the children. While the security agents were dutiful watching over the account, the clever criminals went and withdrew some money from two different ATM points at Mushin.

The dare-devils who are suspected to be conniving with a bank official were able to withdraw money from one of the points where their CCTV was faulty. Detectives strongly suspect that they may have succeeded in carrying out the smart manoeuvre with the aid of an insider in the bank. Police authorities immediately blocked the account in other to make it impossible for them to carry out further withdrawals.

THE RIGMAROLE AND MANOUVER

Assured now that their ransom was intact, they called the father of the children to go to a point at Ikorodu and carry his children. The elated man sped off with all the energy he could muster, closely followed by agents of SIB but ended up not seeing his children. As the crestfallen man was bemoaning his fate, the abductors called again and directed him to go to Shagamu.

When he got to Shagamu, they called again and directed him back to Ikorodu. At this stage, according to police sources, they suspected that the criminals were merely playing games. More over, the police team keeping tab on them were able to decipher that the caller was still operating from somewhere around Oshodi inside Lagos. They beat a fast retreat and started combing black spots inside Lagos. This singular decision by the team leader paid off but unfortunately, it failed to lead to the arrest of the suspects who ended up dumping the innocent and hapless children naked inside a bag in an uncompleted building around Shasha area of Egbeda, Lagos.

SUCCOR AT LAST

The children were found with their skin ravaged by mosquitoes by a man who over heard their strident cries from the building. The good Samaritan immediately alerted the Police at Shasha who raced to the scene and rescued the children. They were immediately rushed to the Police hospital, Ikeja where they were treated and later released to their joyous parents.

Meanwhile, Crime Guard learnt that operatives at the SIB and SARS renewed their resolve to crack the case and intensified efforts. It eventually paid off as they were able to corner the fleeing house help inside a dilapidated building at the same Shasha. As at the time of writing this report, serious efforts are in top gear to round up her accomplices. Detectives are said to be working round the clock in that regard.

 

Rescue of abducted children: The intrigues, rigmarole & frustrations behind Kidnapper nanny

I also abducted Magodo children – Nanny confesses

The nanny, who kidnapped three Lagos children in the Surulere area of Lagos State last week, who called herself Mary Akinloye, has confessed that she also kidnapped the two kids (Raphael and Michael Esharegan) and  from the Magodo area of the state, who were kidnapped last year.

Kidnap suspect, Nanny in Lagos State

The missing Children

Akinloye (not her real name) was arrested on Wednesday evening in the Shasha area of Lagos by the Nigerian Police Force after she was tracked by “technological tools.”

She said her team, which consisted of her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, her husband and herself, collected N2m for the Magodo kidnap, which occurred December last year.

She had been employed as a maid by the Magodo couple through the same OLX, an online sales portal.

The suspect added that after the ransom was paid, she was given N30, 000 as her share.

She revealed that her real name was not Mary Akinloye and she was not 23-year-old.

Speaking in Yoruba, she begged the Orekoya family to forgive her.

“It was not my fault. Mrs Orekoya, you were very nice to me and you took care of me. I was pushed to do it,” she said.

The suspect has four children.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has said early on Thursday that the police had arrested self-styled Akinloye, who kidnapped three children in the Surulere area of Lagos State.

Aderanti spoke on Thursday morning on a live Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily.

Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Kenneth Nwosu, said Akinloye was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad while a manhunt was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices of the househelp.

Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, added, “She was nabbed by SARS in the Sasha area (of Akowonjo, Lagos). She was arrested alone, and is now in police custody. Efforts are on to arrest other fleeing accomplices, if any.

“She is still making confessional statements.”

I also abducted Magodo children – Nanny confesses

Nanny who abducts Lagos children arrested – CP

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has said the police have arrested Mary Akinloye, the 23-year-old nanny, who kidnapped three children in the Surulere area of Lagos State.

Aderanti spoke on Thursday morning on a live Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily.

Nanny who abducts Lagos children arrested – CP

Three children kidnapped by nanny rescued

The three children kidnapped in Surulere area of Lagos State, by a criminal nanny, Mary Akinloye has been rescued and reunited with the family.

It was gathered that the children were rescued on Tuesday night.

Though the means of rescuing the children have not been revealed as the father of the children, Leke, refused to confirm if ransom was paid or not.

Mr. Leke while confirming the incident said “Yes, they have been rescued. We are very happy.”

The mother of the kids, Adebisi Orekoya posted on her Facebook wall to confirm the incident.

She said “We give God all the Glory. Our Orekoya missing Kids have been found.Thank you so much everyone for ur prayers and moral and Financial support all along. The list is endless, of awesome mothers, sisters, business partners, father’s and even kids too. You’ve been amazing! May God grant all your heart desires too. Much love always.”

It could be recalled that the nanny gave the family two days to raise N13m or forget about their children.

Social media had been agog with the news of the missing children; prayer worriers, critics and other bodies had expressed sadness over the issue

Three children kidnapped by nanny rescued

Kidnapping: Pay N13m or lose children, Nanny threatens parents

The nanny identified as Mary Akinloye who kidnapped three children in Surulere area of Lagos State has given the victims’ family two days to produce N13m ransom or lose the children.

She was said to have issued the ultimatum through a man who used her telephone to communicate with the family.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the initial N15m demanded by the kidnappers had been reduced to N13m after much appeal by the victim’s mother.

Saturday PUNCH had reported how the Orekoya family had posted on OLX, an online sales portal, seeking the service of a nanny for their kids.

Our correspondent reported that a 23-year-old lady, Akinloye, indicated interest by calling the family.

The family was reported to have invited her to their home on Lawanson Road, Itire, Lagos.

Our correspondent also reported that the family demanded the contact of her relatives and she was said to have given them two telephone numbers, which she claimed belonged to her brother and sister.

It was learnt that the family fixed a day in the week for formalisation and documentation of the arrangement.

The Orekoya family reportedly agreed on Tuesday to a monthly salary of N10, 000 to N15, 0000 with Akinloye, who claimed to be looking for money to continue her education.

After the family left the home on Wednesday morning, about 24 hours after she was employed, she allegedly ran away with the three kids, named Aderomola (11 months old), Adedamola (four years old), Demola (six years old).

Saturday PUNCH in a follow-up, reported that Akinloye was working with a kidnapping syndicate.

They were said to have contacted the family and demanded N15m as ransom.

Our correspondent visited the family on Friday and learnt that the ransom had been reduced to N13m and efforts to cut a fairer deal with the kidnappers had been abortive.

The victims’ father, Leke, told our correspondent that the family received a text message from the kidnappers on Friday afternoon, saying the children’s life depended on the payment of the ransom within 24 hours of the ultimatum. Although, this was later reviewed to 48 hours.

He said, “They said we should produce the money in 24 hours or they would ‘delete’ our kids.

“Our major concern is our 11 months old baby who needs extra care.”

Their mother, Adebisi, said the incident had started affecting her mentally.

She appealed to Nigerians of goodwill to support the family with funds, adding that the family could not afford to pay the ransom.

She said, “I called the line of the nanny and a man picked the call. He initially demanded N15m, but after I begged him, he agreed to take N13m.

“We have been exchanging text messages and he has insisted on N13m. He has also assured us that we have no other option than to pay the money.

“I spoke with the children and they said the kidnappers were treating them well and that they were doing fine.

“I’m sure if they get the money today, they will release my children to me. All they need is the money.

“I appeal to the government, politicians in the country, Nigerians of goodwill to please help us before it is too late.

“After my children have been released to me, the police can then begin their investigation.”

Kidnapping: Pay N13m or lose children, Nanny threatens parents

Nanny demands N15m for kidnapped Lagos children

A nanny, Mary Akinloye, who allegedly kidnapped three kids in the Surulere area of Lagos State has demanded N15m from the victim’s parents, PUNCH Metro has learnt.

Our correspondent learnt that the family was contacted on Thursday by the suspect and others, who were suspected to be members of her group. They were said to have demanded the N15m as ransom.

PUNCH Metro had reported on Wednesday that the Orekoya family had posted information on OLX, an online sales portal, seeking the service of a nanny.

Our correspondent reported that Akinloye indicated interest and gave the Orekoyas the contacts of two people who she said were her relatives.

It was reported that the family agreed to formalilse documentation with the purported relatives before the week ran out.

After the 23-year-old resumed for work on Tuesday, she was said to have taken the three children ─ Aderomola (11 months old), Adedamola (4 years old), Demola (6 years old) ─ out, while their parents were away.

She had since not returned.

A family friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N15m on Thursday.

The information was confirmed by another friend who put up the post on a social medium, Facebook.

He said, “Is it a crime to employ a house help? The kidnappers have demanded N15m.”

Efforts to reach the family were abortive as they continued to reject calls made to their lines.

They also did not reply to three text messages sent to them on the matter.

The Police Public Relations, Kenneth Nwosu, said investigations were on.

He said, “Investigations are on and that is all I can say for now.

“There are things you do that can jeopardise investigation.

“What is important in a case like this is to ensure that the children are returned hale and hearty. There are information you may have and if you disclose it, you could break the line of communication. So, we are still on the matter to ensure the safe return of the kids.”

Nanny demands N15m for kidnapped Lagos children

#Nanny takes off with three kids one day after employment

By Punch News

The Orekoya family on Lawanson Road, Surulere, #Lagos State says, presently, it has no reason to be happy.

The missing Children

This is because a nanny employed on March 7 by the household disappeared with three children a day after she was employed.

The names of the missing children are Aderomola, (11 months), Adedamola (4 years) and Demola (6 years).

The nanny, Mary Akinloye, a 23-year-old indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, was said to have been contracted via OLX, an online sales portal.

The children’s mother, Adebisi, told PUNCH Metro that Akinloye looked older than her age and that her claim that she was an indigene of Oyo State was questionable because of her accent.

She explained that the family had a nanny, who suddenly stopped coming to work after observing her annual leave.

She said the family subsequently put up a post on OLX, seeking the service of a new nanny.

She said, “We had someone who was taking care of the kids before now. But the woman did not show up on Saturday and Sunday and we urgently needed someone to assist because we were going to resume work on Monday. We were disturbed and that was why I posted the information on OLX.

“She (Akinloye) called us and said she was interested. She said she was 23 years. I agreed to employ her in the interim because I really did not like the fact that she was young. She agreed to collect between N10, 000 to N15,000 even though our former nanny collected N25,000.

“I left her at home this morning (Wednesday) around 7.30am. It was around 1pm that my eldest son called me and said she had taken his siblings away. He said she told him they were going out to buy some things. She took the 11 months on her back and held the others by the hand. She has since not returned.”

Adebisi said the nanny was so much in a haste to whisk the children away that she did not allow them to eat.

Her husband, Leke, a businessman, said the nanny gave the family the contacts of her relatives, who they spoke with on the telephone.

The relatives were said to have agreed to meet with the Orekoyas during the week to finalise documentation.

He said, “We spoke with two people she introduced to us as her brother and sister. They confirmed that they were her relatives.

“They gave us a vague description of where they lived in Ikorodu. We agreed to do proper documentation this week.

“It was in less than 24 hours that she went away with the kids.

“She never gave us an idea that she was on an evil mission.

“Her spoken English was fluent. She said she had a National Diploma and just wanted to make some money so she could return to school.”

PUNCH Metro learnt that the purported relatives had since remained unreachable on their telephone lines.

The family was said to have contacted the police from the Itire division, who reportedly told the family to wait for 24 hours.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the abduction, saying the police had started   investigation with a view to rescuing the children.

He said, “The police are making efforts to arrest the suspects and rescue the children.”

#Nanny takes off with three kids one day after employment