Apprentice arrested for horticulturist’s alleged kidnap in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 37-year-old apprentice, Ayuba Ezekiel, for alleged kidnap and stealing.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred on November 24, 2023, at the CMD Road, Ikosi Ketu.

Ayuba was employed as a sales boy by the kidnapped victim, Juliana Adamma, a horticulturist.

On November 24, 2023, the victim’s brother reported the incident to the police, alleging that he received a phone call from the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N10m in exchange for his sister’s life.

This prompted a search of the victim’s residence and garden, where Ayuba was found. Initially, he claimed to not know his employer’s whereabouts.

A police source who spoke to PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity because he lacked the authority to speak to the media told our correspondent that at first when Ayuba was arrested, there was no evidence linking him to the kidnapping of the victim. But the police kept monitoring him.

However, a further investigation revealed that he had been stealing from the flower garden, with goods worth over N2m missing.

Upon further questioning, Ayuba confessed to masterminding the kidnap, revealing that he had overheard the victim discussing an N10m deal and shared the information with his friends, who agreed to kidnap her and give him an N2m share.

“Despite his confession, the missing victim remains unaccounted for, and the investigation is ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers,” the source said.

The suspect has been arrested and arraigned.