“I was Kidnapped for ransom by the Police” — Kidnap victim

Samuel Soyemi has detailed a harrowing ordeal in which individuals claiming to be police officers from Zone 2 in Lagos allegedly invaded his residence, abducted his family, extorted over one million Naira, and falsely accused him of serious crimes.

Recounting the disturbing late-night incident that occurred on October 10,Samuel Soyemi disclosed to Punch that the alleged officers accused him of being involved in ritualistic and cultist activities, claims he vehemently denies.

He narrated how he was coerced into transferring a substantial sum of money to prevent further threats after his family was taken.

“We hardly eat at home as I am talking to you because I had to borrow the money I sent to them that day. My wife and I are going through hell, with a nine-month-old baby at hand. Everything they took from me is almost N3m, including phones and jewelry. I need justice. We went to Zone 2, but nothing was done about the matter. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should come to my aid,” Soyemi expressed.

Soyemi’s lawyer, Kayode Aderemi, confirmed sending a petition to the office of IGP Egbetokun. A copy of the petition was also reportedly submitted to the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on November 30.

The petition outlined that seven armed men, allegedly posing as police officers from Zone 2, stormed Soyemi’s residence in Osiele, Abeokuta, seizing valuables totaling over N2m and extorting him of N1,025,000.

According to the petition, the armed men confiscated various items, including expensive jewelry and electronics, after forcefully entering Soyemi’s home.

They allegedly threatened the family with dire consequences unless a sum of N10,000,000 was transferred. Fearing for their lives, the family transferred N1,025,000 to an account provided by one of the officers.

Aderemi urged IGP Egbetokun to investigate and prosecute the officers responsible for the alleged robbery, demanding the recovery of the extorted money and confiscated items.

Adejobi, the police spokesman, acknowledged receiving the petition, assuring that such petitions were treated objectively, particularly when concerning unprofessional conduct or corruption within the force.

He encouraged the complainant to pursue the case through police complaint platforms, indicating that necessary actions would likely have been taken.