By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Lagos State Police Command has unearthed a kidnapping den disguised as a shrine in Idimu, nabbing 13 suspects linked to a notorious “one-chance” fraud and kidnapping syndicate.
Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh led journalists to the Pipeline Road site on Jan. 21, explaining
that the arrests followed intelligence-led stop-and-search operations on Jan. 18. 
Three suspects were first intercepted in Surulere while operating a vehicle used to lure victims.
The gang, led by Demola Adelua, reportedly defrauded victims with promises of quick money through fake dollar sales or investment schemes.
Those who resisted were taken to the shrine and held for ransom.
Jimoh said the syndicate targets early-morning churchgoers and mosque attendees, exploiting low police presence, and operates with six teams and multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna.
Weapons used in the crimes were recovered during raids, and the total number of suspects arrested in the operation has risen to 14.
The police noted that while conventional kidnappings are rare in Lagos, “one-chance” fraud schemes can escalate to abductions when victims refuse to cooperate.
