The Ogun State Police Command said it has arrested a seven-man gang terrorising Ijebu- Igbo Local Government Area of the state and its environs.
The command had earlier arrested two members of the gang, Chukwuma Bartholomew, 40, and Igwe Monday, 42, who specialised in killing their victims after collecting ransom.
The suspects had also led operatives of the command to a forest in Ijebu-Igbo where they buried the remains of their victims in a shallow grave.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, in a press briefing held on Friday at the command’s headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, said all members of the gang had been arrested.
He said: “I did say that it was a seven-man gang and that the other five members of the gang are on the run. I am indeed excited to announce to you that they have all been arrested and have all made confessional statements.”
The other suspects arrested are Ifeanyi Mathias, 31, Anayo Simeon, 28, Ayo Adedayo, 46, Chibueze Odah, 41, Ejiofor Nwali, 35, Eke Peter, 22, Monday Paul, 24, and a female, Chukwuma Zainab, 37.
Alamutu stated that the suspects on interrogation also confessed to robbing and killing a POS operator, Oluwaseun Samuel, whose Moniepoint account and machine was later used during their operations.
Alamutu stated that the kidnappers had robbed eight families, killed two and collected cash and valuables worth over N7 million.
The victims are Azeez and his wife Afolashade Raheem; Oluwaseun Samuel; Adegbenga and his daughter Elizabeth Adeniran; the traditional ruler of Aparaki Ijebu; Julius Benedict and his wife, Ogunyemi Femi; Adedayo Temitayo and his wife Mojisola; and Oladokun Mathew and his wife Bolanle.
The deceased are Elizabeth Adeniran, 17, and Oladokun Bolanle.
Alamutu disclosed that on arrest, one blue Tecno Camon phone and three expended cartridges were recovered from them.
He assured that following a conclusive investigation the suspects will be charged in court for prosecution
