Man invites gang to rob, abduct in-law

The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday said its officers arrested a 41-year-old man, Komolafe Rasaq, for allegedly masterminding the robbery and abduction of his in-law on New Ife Road, Ibadan, the state capital.

Seven accomplices of Rasaq, comprising three robbers and four others, were arrested in connection with the incident.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, said the arrest of the suspects led to the recovery of three vehicles, including a Toyota Camry belonging to Rasaq’s in-law.

Apart from Rasaq, others arrested were Adetunji Adeboye, 35; Oluwaseun Ayeni, 30; Lukman Lawal, 31; Mohammed Lawal, 52; Baba Adamu, 63; Abidoye Solomon, 27; and Omote Pius.

Odude said Rasaq invited the gang and set the stage for the robbery of his in-law, who was at home with her children.

He said, “On February 11, 2017, a gang of armed robbers invaded the victim’s house at night and robbed her of her valuables. They also abducted her and drove her away in her car. We arrested them after receiving a petition on the activities of the gang. Further investigation led to the arrest of criminal receivers of stolen cars and property at various locations in Niger and Kaduna states.”

Rasaq said he made N70,000 from the robbery, adding that he joined the gang at a location after the success of the operation.

He said he was told that the car would be driven to Minna, Niger State, where it would be sold.

The victim of the robbery said the robbers entered into the house through her kitchen and forced her to travel a long distance with them because of the fear that the car might have a security device that could hinder their getaway plan.

She said, “After gaining entrance into the apartment, they demanded my car key. I was about going into the bedroom to take it when they stopped me. One of them went inside and took the key by himself. They locked my kids in a small room.

“They asked me if the car had a security device. Before I could respond to their question, they had forced me into the car. They dropped me off somewhere in the dead of the night. I had to trek back home. Neighbours and policemen later helped me to force the door open and release the children. They were almost dead when we opened the door open.”