Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 32-year-old man, identified as Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly abducting a 7-year-old boy in Lagos and demanding a ransom of N7 million.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident occurred on August 25, when the victim’s father reported at the Alapere Police Division that his son had been taken away from their home by the family’s painter without consent.
Shortly after the abduction, the suspect reportedly contacted the victim’s mother, demanding N7 million for the boy’s release. The case was subsequently transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I for a discreet investigation.
Acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives traced Clement to Ijegun, Lagos, on August 27, where he was arrested. The young victim was rescued unhurt from a locked room where he had been held captive and has since been reunited with his family.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming he carried out the abduction in a bid to raise money to meet family needs.
Police authorities, however, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether he acted alone or had accomplices.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for the swift rescue operation and reassured residents that the Command remains committed to deploying all available resources to combat crime across the state.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.