A man described as Nigeria’s richest criminal mastermind and kidnap kingpin, Chukwudidumeme Onuamadike popularly known as Evans has been arrested by operatives of the ACP Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, in conjunction with officers of the Lagos State Command.
Evans, described as the most brilliant criminal mastermind with wealth to show forth his achievements and accomplishments from the illegal trade was reported to have coordinated several kidnappings in Lagos and Ogun states.
Evans who is a wanted person in several states including Edo, Lago, Ogun, Delta and Anambra was arrested on Saturday at his Magodo mansion.
Speaking on the arrest, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni revealed that the culprit was arrested around 1:00 pm after continuous shootings in Magodo.
Speaking on Evans, described as the most brilliant and notorious high profile kidnapper in the history of Nigeria, a police officer said: “Evans is the most notorious high profile kidnapper in the history of Nigeria. He has collected billions of naira as ransom over the last seven years as the kingpin of kidnappers. He was arrested today (Saturday) in his Magodo mansion, Lagos.
“Evans, 36, is a native of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. He kept his victims for six to seven months in captivity until when the families paid about N400m ransoms in installments before the victims were released.
“Several wealthy Nigerians living in Festac and Amuwo Odofin areas of Lagos relocated to Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island and left their mansions empty because of Evans. He also has kidnap gangs that operate in Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Bayelsa and Delta states.”
Confirming the arrest, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Mashood Jimoh disclosed that six other members of the gang were also apprehended.
“He was arrested in a joint operation led by IRT under the supervision of the Lagos CP. He was the brains behind kidnappings in the South-West and other regions. Very soon the pupils will be freed. Six of his gang members were also arrested after an intense gun battle.”