Ogun Police Foil ₦50m Kidnap Plot Against Chinese National, Arrest Insider Driver

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have thwarted a sophisticated kidnapping conspiracy targeting a Chinese expatriate, arresting two suspects,including an insider who worked as the victim’s driver and interpreter,in a bid to collect a ₦50 million ransom.

The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a significant victory in its fight against crimes targeting foreign investors, successfully foiling a planned abduction of a Chinese national and apprehending two key suspects before the crime could be executed.

The dramatic interception took place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m. along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway corridor, a critical industrial axis in the state.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was triggered by credible and actionable intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Obalende Division.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the DPO mobilized a tactical team, including members of the division’s Surveillance Unit, to the identified location. The operatives intercepted and arrested the suspects just moments before they could launch their attack on the intended victim.

The police identified the arrested suspects as Chinedu Onwuemena, 41, and Jimoh Ojo, 37.

Preliminary investigations have uncovered a chilling element of betrayal in the plot. Police disclosed that Onwuemena was employed within the victim’s company as a driver and interpreter. He allegedly exploited his privileged access to the Chinese national’s daily movements, security routines, and financial status to facilitate the kidnapping plan.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had jointly conspired to abduct a Chinese national and extort a ransom of ₦50 million,” DSP Babaseyi stated. “Further findings showed that Chinedu Onwuemena, who worked within the company environment as an interpreter and driver, allegedly exploited his position to facilitate the criminal plan.”

While the two main conspirators are now in custody, investigations have established that they did not act alone. The police confirmed that a third accomplice, who was expected to play a key role in the execution of the kidnap, managed to evade the security dragnet and is currently at large.

“Investigations further established that the arrested suspects did not act alone but in concert with another accomplice who is currently at large,” Babaseyi added. “Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspect, while discrete investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the criminal network behind the conspiracy.”

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)for advanced interrogation and further probing.

Commending the swift action of his officers, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism and vigilance of the Obalende Division operatives. He noted that their proactive response prevented what could have escalated into a major international security incident and a hefty ransom payment.

CP Ojajuni emphasized the critical role of intelligence-led policing in dismantling kidnapping syndicates before they strike. He also highlighted the importance of community partnership in crime prevention, urging residents and business owners to remain vigilant.

“The professionalism, vigilance, and proactive action of the operatives prevented what could have resulted in a serious kidnapping incident,” the Commissioner said. He reassured the business community, particularly foreign investors in Ogun’s industrial hubs, of the command’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for economic activities.

The Commissioner warned criminal elements to steer clear of the state, noting that the police would continue to deploy robust measures to protect lives and property. He also called on the public to promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies to aid in the fight against crime.

This foiled plot underscores the persistent security challenges facing foreign nationals working in Nigeria’s industrial corridors. Ogun State, which shares a border with Lagos, hosts hundreds of manufacturing companies and is a major destination for foreign direct investment.

The involvement of an insider in this plot serves as a stark reminder to companies to review their internal security protocols and vetting processes for staff with access to sensitive information regarding expatriate movements.