N30M REWARD FOR INFORMATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO KIDNAP GANG LEADER'S ARREST

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni answering questions from journalists on the wanted kidnap gang leader, Evans (Left).

The Nigeria Police Force has placed a N30 million reward on the head of a wanted kidnap kingpin identified simply as Evans.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen on Tuesday, that a N30 million reward, awaits anyone who gives information that leads to the arrest of the elusive Evans.

“We are encouraging Nigerians to blow the whistle on this kidnapper.

“Whoever blows the whistle that will lead to his arrest will get a N30 million reward, as stated by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris,” the commissioner said.

Vanguard reports that operatives of the Lagos state police command had traced the wanted kidnapper to his hideout at Igando area of Lagos last Friday, May 12, but he fled before their arrival, abandoning a catchment of arms.

Following the raid on the hideout, the police recovered four AK-47 rifles; two automatic pistols; four magazines loaded with 60 rounds of ammunitions each; 1,272 ammunition, 59 AK-47 ammunition; a police bullet-proof vest; a Toyota Hiace bus, suspected to be the gang’s operational vehicle, and a motorcycle.

Owoseni also disclosed that another kidnappers den belonging to the kingpin was uncovered at Ijagemo creeks, Festac Town, with the recovering of some arms and ammunition.

The police boss said like the Igando raid, no arrest was made as the kidnappers, who apparently sighted the operatives from far, fled the creeks in their speed boats.

Owoseni said two suspects, who were later arrested, confessed to be members of Evan’s kidnap gang.

“Evans has been on the wanted list of the Police in Anambra, Edo and Lagos states, for four years. The suspects arrested have given us valuable information, which the Command is working on to ensure that he is apprehended by all means.

“The Command is already doing what is necessary in accordance with the laws of Lagos State on kidnapping. That is by taking over the house used by Evans to keep abducted victims or demolish it.”