In a dramatic breakthrough, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested two Pakistani nationals allegedly spearheading a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the state. The suspects, identified as Roman Gull (19) and Aftab Ahmad (28), were apprehended on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, following a distress call received by the Ikeja Division.
According to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the duo, along with five other accomplices who are currently on the run, orchestrated the abduction of a 48-year-old Pakistani national under the guise of offering him a lucrative job as a chef.
Investigations revealed that the gang lured the victim from Kano to Lagos, booking his flight and lodging him in a hotel on February 28, 2025. However, the following day, the unsuspecting man fell into their trap as the kidnappers overpowered him, tied his hands and legs, and issued a chilling ₦50 million ransom demand to his employer in Kano, threatening to execute him if their demands were not met.
Responding to the distress call, the Ikeja Division’s anti-crime patrol unit swung into action, leading to the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the two Pakistani captors, while five others managed to escape.
“In strict compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, to eradicate kidnapping and violent crimes nationwide, the Lagos State Police Command successfully cracked down on this foreign-led syndicate,” Hundeyin stated.
Further investigations revealed that the victim’s employer initially paid ₦1 million to buy time before alerting the police, leading to the suspects’ eventual capture.
Among the items recovered from the arrested suspects were:
✅ A grey Toyota Camry sedan used for their operations
✅ $2,000 in cash belonging to the victim
✅ Three ATM cards
✅ A green card
✅ The victim’s driver’s license and NIN slip
Meanwhile, efforts are in full swing to apprehend the five fleeing suspects and bring them to justice. The rescued victim has since been reunited with his family and is reported to be in stable condition.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved in the operation and reassured Lagos residents of the police command’s unwavering commitment to their safety and security.
With this high-profile bust, the Lagos State Police have sent a clear message to criminal networks: Lagos is no safe haven for kidnappers.
PIONEER NEWS 