In a significant operation in Lagos State, police from the Commissioner of Police Special Squad, led by CSP Kehinde Johnson, have apprehended Kelly Miyempiri, the suspected leader of a dangerous kidnapping gang.
According to reports from Track News Online, the police operation aimed at dismantling Miyempiri’s gang spanned several months. Despite numerous attempts to capture the group, they continued to instill fear in the residents of Ikorodu and surrounding areas, seemingly evading law enforcement.
Residents described the 31-year-old Miyempiri as a formidable figure, believed to be untouchable due to the police’s inability to detain him or his gang members. The police revealed that Miyempiri and his associates were involved in the kidnapping of a woman named Lasisi Oluwaseyi on February 7, 2024, in Oloja, Igbe-Lara, Ikorodu. The gang demanded a ransom of N50 million.
During her captivity, Oluwaseyi’s family negotiated the ransom down to N3.4 million, which they arranged to pay in the Itele area of Ogun State. However, unbeknownst to Miyempiri, the family had informed the police, who were prepared to apprehend him during the ransom exchange. Despite their efforts, he managed to evade capture in a surprising turn of events. Enraged by the police’s interference, Miyempiri allegedly ordered his gang to kill Oluwaseyi.
In another incident on March 26, 2024, Miyempiri and his accomplices forcibly abducted Naomi Akplo at 36 Wilson Nwusike Street, Agric, Ikorodu, demanding a ransom of N2 million from her family, which they ultimately paid. Fortunately, Akplo was released on March 29, 2024, after several days in captivity, unlike Oluwaseyi, who tragically lost her life.
Miyempiri was known to have escaped multiple police traps before his eventual arrest, following which he was taken to the command headquarters for further investigation. After thorough questioning, the police found sufficient evidence against him, leading to charges filed in the Ogba Magistrate Court for serious offenses that carry substantial prison time, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
During his court appearance, the magistrate did not accept his plea, as the prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, requested the case be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further legal advice. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. B.O. Osunsanmi, ordered Miyempiri’s remand in the Kirikiri correctional facility until the DPP’s advice is available. The case has been adjourned for a follow-up to assess whether it will be moved to the High Court based on jurisdictional considerations.
For updates, join our WhatsApp channel: WhatsApp Channel.