Authorities from the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended a 37-year-old apprentice named Ayuba Ezekiel on suspicion of kidnapping and theft. According to information obtained by PUNCH Metro, the incident took place on November 24, 2023, along CMD Road, Ikosi Ketu. Ayuba, who worked as a sales assistant, was employed by Juliana Adamma, the kidnapped victim, who is a horticulturist.
On November 24, 2023, the victim’s brother contacted the police, stating that he had received a phone call from the kidnappers demanding N10 million as ransom for his sister’s release. As a result, authorities conducted a search of the victim’s residence and garden, where they located Ayuba. Initially, he asserted that he was unaware of his employer’s whereabouts.
A police source, speaking to PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to address the media, informed our correspondent that initially, when Ayuba was arrested, there was no evidence linking him to the victim’s kidnapping. However, the police continued to monitor him. Further investigation later revealed that he had been stealing from the flower garden, with goods worth over N2 million missing.
After additional interrogation, Ayuba admitted to orchestrating the kidnapping. He disclosed that he had overheard the victim discussing a N10 million deal and shared this information with his associates, who agreed to abduct her and give him a share of N2 million.
“Despite his confession, the missing victim remains unaccounted for, and the investigation is ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers,” the source said.
The accused has been apprehended and formally charged in court.
