More details have emerged surrounding the kidnapping and release of the Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Bamigbetan, with informed sources saying that one of the kidnappers had committed suicide jumped to his death at a hotel along Old Ojo road, Agboju, Lagos.
It was also learnt that police pressure could be part of the reasons that he was released by the kidnappers after being held for five days.
The LCDA boss had been released on Saturday night around 9.45pm and had returned to his house after about an hour.
However, it was gathered that the police had been on the trail of the suspects and had actually made some arrests.
They were about to arrest one of the perpetrators, known as ‘Onye Army’, after being led to his hideout by information given to them by one of the suspects they had earlier arrested when he (Army) committed suicide.
Army had been tracked by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja to the hotel, and in order to evade being caught, he jumped from the balcony of his room on the second floor of the building.
A police source said, “Onye Army was actually in the hotel with some members of the kidnapping gang.
“However, by the time SARS operatives got there, other members of his group had cleared out leaving just Onye Army’
“While some of the SARS operatives went up to his room and knocked on the door, some waited by the entrance of the hotel. It seems, however, that Onye Army had sighted them through his window because he refused to open up the door. When they started to force the door open, he came out on the balcony, hoping to jump down safely and make his escape.
“Unfortunately, it was a fatal fall. Onye Army broke both legs and his spine; he was in serious pains. Despite all attempts to keep him alive and lead the SARS operatives to the hideout where his colleagues were keeping Bamigbetan, he died while being rushed to the hospital.”
The source said Bamigbetan was set free after the kidnappers discovered that some of their members were being rounded up by SARS.
A family friend of the Bamigbetans who spoke on the condition of anonymity told this correspondent that a ransom of N15m was paid to secure his release.
He said, “After the family paid the N15m, the kidnappers reneged on the agreement and demanded another N10m.
“But to our surprise, they suddenly released Bamigbetan on Saturday.”
The Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani, said, “I can confirm that Bamigbetan has been released.
“As for any ransom being paid, I am not aware of that.
“I also don’t have details of the suspect who jumped to his death. However, police investigation on this case is still on.”