Detectives from the Lagos State Police Command’s Special Squad Unit have identified a key member of the notorious billionaire-kidnappers gang killed during a raid at Ladipo Market last month.
Previously, only one gang leader, Nollywood actor/producer Prince Henry Ode from Port Harcourt, and four of his colleagues from the film industry had been identified as part of the violent confrontation with the police.
The investigation, led by CSP Kehinde Oni, has uncovered 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.
“It was a shocking discovery,” CSP Oni remarked. “The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities.”
Before the Ladipo Market raid, the gang kidnapped a wealthy female supermarket owner from Ago Okota, extorting N68 million in ransom. CCTV footage revealed that an informant, Uzoamaka, scouted the area before the kidnapping.
“Uzoamaka played a crucial role in this operation,” said a police source. “He ensured the coast was clear before the gang moved in.”
Uzoamaka is known in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialized training in arms handling.
“He was one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” said another police official. “His connection to the Lagos kidnappings was only recently uncovered.”
During the Ladipo Market raid, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car blocked the gang’s path.
“The shot was meant to intimidate and eliminate anyone obstructing their escape,” explained CSP Oni. “It narrowly missed our officer.”
Detectives continue their efforts to identify all victims of the Ladipo raid, but families of the deceased have been reluctant to come forward.
“We’re working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations,” stated a police insider. “Further investigation will reveal the complete truth.”
