By Amofokhai Williams
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 32-year-old man, identified as Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly kidnapping a 7-year-old boy in Lagos and demanding ₦7 million ransom.
The suspect, who was employed as a painter by the victim’s family, reportedly abducted the child on 25 August 2025.
According to the police, the boy’s father lodged a complaint at the Alapere Police Division after realising his son had been taken away without his consent.
“Shortly after, the suspect called the victim’s mother, demanding the sum of ₦7,000,000 for the child’s release,” the Command said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
The case was immediately transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I for discreet investigation. Acting on intelligence, operatives traced the suspect to Ijegun, Lagos, on 27 August, where he was arrested. The child was rescued unhurt from a locked room where he had been held captive.
“The victim has since been reunited with his family,” Hundeyin confirmed.
During interrogation, Clement confessed to the crime, claiming he resorted to kidnapping in order to raise money for personal family needs.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reassured residents of the state that the police would not relent in their efforts to stamp out crime.
“We will continue to deploy all available resources to combat crimes and ensure the safety of every resident,” the Commissioner said.
Police authorities added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect had accomplices. The case, they said, will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
