Why I kidnapped my Boss’ inlaw – Kidnap suspect reveals
Joy Anyim
A 38 year old man William Owolabi is telling policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) how he allegedly masterminded the kidnap of his boss brother in law, one Hilary Azuka, 36 and his girlfriend Rebecca Omokaro 32 at the Oniru area of Lagos State.
The Suspects Owolabi and two of his accomplices were paraded at the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday by the Acting Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command, CP Edgal Imohimi.
Speaking on the arrest, the CP said “on October 21st 2017, at about 2:30 am, four armed men later known to be kidnappers trailed Hilary Azuka and one Rebecca Omokaro to their house at Plot 2, Block 7 Elegba Festival Drive Oniru Private Estate Victoria Island Lagos.
“The kidnappers tied the legs and hands of the victims with cellotape and also plastered their mouth with cellotape. They took them with their Ford Jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES to their hindout at Agodo Alara, Ogijo in Ogun State. Upon information received by this office, SARS detectives swung into action and arrested one William Owolabi, Ayo Akinola and Segun Teluwo. Investigations conducted so far revealed that the group demanded N20 million as ransom from the victims before they will release them.
“The mastermind of the kidnap is one of the victim’s elder sister’s driver know as William. Police recovered one locally made short gun, one battle knife, nylon cellotape, four ATM cards and one Ford Jeep with Reg No. LND 995 ES. Diligent investigation will be conducted and the suspects will be charged to court.”
Revealing the reason for masterminding their kidnap, the alleged prime suspect Owolabi told journalists that he planned the kidnap to raise money for his wife’s father’s burial.
“It started last month when I and my wife was levied N180, 000 which I did not have. I told my boss who is a white man that I needed a loan of N100, 000 for a burial but he said there was no money. I discussed with a friend of mine, one Akin Adedamola and he told me that we can kidnap my boss brother and get more than enough for the burial.
” Akin went with us for the operation. We trailed Azuka to the ‘Why Not’ hotel where he usually hangs out at night. He was drunk and sitting in his car, that was when the idea to kidnap him hit me.We followed him to the house and when he got to the gate, we swung on the victim and turned the car back to our base at Ogijo. Akin was with us all through the operation, I went to buy drinks while the others kept watch over them.
Ayo the second suspect accused Owolabi of demanding N20 million before the suspect can be released. An allegation Owolabi denied. We were however surprised that the police got my wife and my wife led them to me. She never knew of my plan until the police arrested her,” he said.
Owolabi however accussed the police of releasing Akin Adedamola one of the gang memebers who allegedly participated in the kidnap. He said, ” When we were arrested and taken to SARS, we gave our statements but the police released Adedamola. He is not in detention with us, ” he revealed.
