The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping in Abigi, apprehending a notorious suspect, Clement Elijah, who had been on the run since 2024.
Elijah, believed to be the mastermind behind a high-profile abduction in Ajelanwa village last year, was arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on June 13, 2025, following credible intelligence and collaboration with local residents.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, Elijah had sneaked into the Ibiade community with the intention of kidnapping a prominent resident of Ago Village in Abigi. However, his plan was foiled through a coordinated effort between the police and members of the community.
“Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended Clement Elijah, a fugitive linked to a high-profile 2024 kidnapping in Ajelanwa village,” Odutola stated. “He returned to Ibiade on June 13, 2025, to execute another abduction but was intercepted before he could carry out the act, thanks to timely intervention by police and community members.”
Further police action on Monday, June 16, led to the arrest of another key suspect, identified as Posi Friday, alleged to be the gang’s armourer. During the operation, officers recovered a pump-action rifle, a locally-made pistol, and eight live cartridges hidden inside a Boom Speaker.
Commending the operation, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, applauded residents of Ibiade and Abigi for their vigilance and cooperation.
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support and communication from these communities,” Ogunlowo said. “Their active role was vital in averting a major crime and ensuring the suspects were brought to justice.”
In a separate operation, police also arrested 14 suspected cultists involved in a brewing supremacy clash in Ijebu Ode.
According to Odutola, the suspects—belonging to rival cult groups—were apprehended by the Anti-Cultism Unit in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas on June 16, while allegedly plotting violent attacks as part of their institution’s signing-out celebration.
“Officers from the Anti-Cultism team arrested 14 suspected cultists during a raid in various parts of Ijebu Ode,” she said. “They were reportedly gathering to launch attacks over supremacy issues tied to their school’s exam completion event.”
The police say investigations are ongoing and pledged to intensify surveillance across the state to curb rising criminal activities.
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