Police Abuja HQ explains how Odumosu’s wife was rescued, N10m ransom recovered

Police Abuja HQ explains how Odumosu’s wife was rescued a week after her abduction

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Police Force Headquarters, Abuja has provided details of how Folashade, the wife of retired Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, was rescued on Thursday, exactly a week after she was kidnapped at gunpoint from her residence in Ogun.

Police disclosed that officers raided the kidnappers’ den in a creek in the Ikorodu area of the state and killed two of the criminals who engaged them in a gun duel before they could rescue the victim.

Also recovered were N10 million ransom previously paid, four AK-47 rifles, three locally made  rifles, and various calibres of ammunition.

Police Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi recounted how her abduction sparked an immediate response from the anti-kidnapping unit of Ogun Police Command, which commenced a thorough investigation and targeted pursuit of the kidnappers.

Adejobi added: “With the support of the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms, the Ogun State police operatives engaged in extensive surveillance of the creeks surrounding Arepo, gathering crucial information to track down the assailants.

“Their efforts culminated in a raid on January 23, 2025, at around 6.45am. The intelligence-led operation took the police to a creek in the swampy area of Ikorodu where the kidnappers were reportedly planning their next attack.

“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire. In the ensuing confrontation, two of the gunmen were neutralized, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their operational weapons.

“The victim, Mrs Odumosu, was rescued within the swampy creeks during the operation, unharmed. She is currently undergoing medical evaluation as a precautionary measure and has since been reunited with her family.

“The police also recovered four AK-47 rifles, three locally made single barrel rifles, ammunition of various calibres, and the sum of N10 million ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers, further ensuring that justice is served.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his operatives for their displayed gallantry in this successful operation.

“This operation exemplifies the dedication and resilience of our Police officers. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, providing safety and security to all citizens.”

Four masked men abducted Folashade at about 9.45pm on January 16 while she was alighting from her Lexus Jeep outside her residence in Arepo in Ogun.

Her abductors were said to have initially demanded N50 million ransom which was bargained down to N10 million.

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