Lagos Police Arrest Fraudsters Targeting Big Markets

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, led by CSP Sunday Cirman, arrested suspected high-profile fraudsters who targeted big markets in Lagos. The suspects claimed to exploit the get-rich-quick mentality of Nigerians, particularly women, to defraud them of money and valuables.

They admitted to abducting business operators for ransom, with one case involving a tyre merchant who was held captive until a ransom of approximately N24 million was paid. The police uncovered a list of over 125 targeted business operators in various markets.

One suspect, Patrick Nwankwo, a 61-year-old from Imo State, explained that he joined the gang after his second-hand clothing business failed. He detailed their modus operandi, which involved luring victims with false promises of large supply orders.

The suspects operated primarily from Ogun State while targeting markets such as Oshodi and Trade Fair Market.