Whistle-blowing policy: LASG, police adopt policy against kidnappers

There may be no more hiding place for kidnappers in Lagos state, as the State Government in conjunction with the Lagos State Police Command have adopted the whistle-blowing policy in fishing out suspected kidnappers from their hideouts in the state.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni who made the revelation during a press briefing at POWA Multi-Purpose Hall Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja Lagos, the adoption of the policy followed the recent operation by the Anti-kidnapping team of the command where a kidnappers’ den located at No. 19 Ataye Street in Igando Lagos was raided.

The operation was said to be an aftermath of a kidnap act by the gang led by one Evans on May 12 where one Donatus Duru was kidnapped.

The Daily Times gathered that Duru, who is an importer, was on his way from his house at Anthony to his office at Illupeju Lagos, before he was kidnapped.

A family member of the victim who miraculously regained freedom, said Duru had told them that the kidnappers had told him one of his business associates, a Pharmacist was the brain behind his kidnap.

While addressing pressman on the development, CP Owoseni said although none was arrested in the operation as the house was empty, some exhibits were recovered from the house.

Speaking further Owoseni said, ” Duru was able to escape from the hands of the kidnappers den and offered useful information which led us to Ataye, but when the house was broken into, no human being was found. We conducted a thorough search and four Ak47 riffles, two automatic Pistols with each having four magazines loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

“another 1,272 rounds of live ammunition, 59 Ak47 magazines, one police bullet proof vest, a Toyota Hayas bus and a motorbike cycle were also recovered and two suspects have been arrested. ”

“The suspects have confessed to be working for the notorious kidnapper called Evans and the weapons recovered were his work tools.”

Shedding more light on the activities of the wanted Evans, The Commissioner of police said, ” Evans had been on the wanted list of the police in Anambra and Edo State Police Command for the past four years. The Lagos State police command is working tirelessly to ensure that the notorious Evans is apprehended.

“Also in accordance with the laws of the Lagos State, the command is doing what is necessary in collaboration with the Attorney – General to take over the Bungalow in accordance with the law on kidnap.”

In a similar case, the Anti-Kidnapping team also raided a kidnappers hideout in a creek at Ijegemo Festac.

One pump action riffle, one double barrel gun, Jacket knife and 7 live cartridges amongst other items which were believed to have been abandoned by the kidnappers were recovered.

Owoseni therefore enjoined members of the public to give the state police command useful information that will lead to the arrest of the notorious Evans and his accomplice.

He stated, “we are also seizing this opportunity to call on members of the public to do a whistle-blowing on the notorious kidnapper called Evans. The police and the state government are also working out a robust reward for whoever can whistle-blow and assist the government in apprehending this kidnapper and his gang members.

“The command will not relent in ensuring that the gang is broken and we want to encourage members of the public to take advantage of this as a handsome reward awaits anyone with any useful information in this regard,” he maintained.