Kidnapper Confesses: "I Planned to Travel Abroad With My Share of the N20 Million Ransom"

In a chilling revelation that has shocked residents of Lagos State, a suspected kidnapper, Musa Shaibu, has openly confessed to planning an international escape with his share of a ₦20 million ransom demanded from the family of a kidnapped 14-year-old boy. The suspect, who is only 25 years old, was arrested in the Ajegunle area of Lagos after the victim was successfully rescued by police operatives.

The Shocking Kidnap Plot Unveiled in Olodi-Apapa

The events unfolded when Musa Shaibu and four other suspected criminals allegedly abducted the young boy, identified only as Hassan, from his home in the Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos State. Hassan is the son of a wealthy Bureau De Change operator — a key detail that made him a prime target for the gang.

According to police investigations, the suspects carefully monitored the family before executing their plan. Their goal was not to harm the victim, but to extort a massive ransom from his father.

“Our intention was not to harm the boy, but to collect the sum of N20 million from his rich father. I would have travelled overseas with my own share of the money,”
— Musa Shaibu, suspected kidnapper

This alarming confession was made during police interrogation and highlights the boldness with which these criminals operate. The thought of using ransom money for international travel shows the calculated nature of the operation.

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How the Lagos Police Cracked the Case

The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, acted swiftly after receiving a report from the victim’s father. Hundeyin confirmed that the boy was kidnapped on May 1, 2025, at about 4:50 PM in Olodi-Apapa.

According to CSP Hundeyin:

“Detectives of the command received a report from a complainant, who reported that his son, one Hassan, aged 14, was kidnapped by a group of suspected kidnappers at Olodi-Apapa area and that the sum of N20 million ransom was demanded for his release.”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the police acted without delay. Operatives were dispatched to monitor the ransom drop-off location, which was identified as a filling station located at Wema Bridge in Apapa.

Their prompt and strategic response paid off. At the scene, police were able to arrest one of the suspects, later identified as Musa Shaibu, just before the ransom could be handed over. This move was a major breakthrough in the case.

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Rescue Operation at Ajegunle: Victim Found Safe in Hotel Hideout

After arresting Musa, police were able to extract critical information about the gang’s operations. The interrogation revealed the exact location where the boy was being held. This led officers to a hotel hideout in the Ajegunle area of Lagos.

There, they found Hassan, who was fortunately unharmed. The police acted quickly to rescue the teenager, who was then taken in for debriefing before being reunited with his family.

In a further twist, the manager of the hotel where Hassan was being kept was also arrested and taken into custody. Investigators are now probing whether the manager knowingly collaborated with the kidnappers or was merely negligent in spotting the criminal activity within the premises.

“The team also went to the kidnappers’ hideout at a hotel in Ajegunle area, where the victim was kept. He was rescued unhurt, debriefed and reunited with his family while the manager of the hotel was also arrested and taken into custody for investigation. Investigation is in progress,”
— CSP Benjamin Hundeyin

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A Growing Threat: Kidnappings in Lagos and Across Nigeria

This case is just one of many kidnapping incidents in Nigeria, a crime that has become all too common across various states. While kidnapping used to be more prevalent in rural or conflict-prone regions, it is increasingly happening in urban areas like Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Families of middle-class and wealthy individuals are being targeted by gangs who see ransom payments as a quick way to earn huge sums of money. This development is deeply concerning for residents and the government alike.

The brazen nature of this latest incident — from the calculated planning to the suspect’s intention to flee the country — reveals just how organized and confident these criminal gangs have become.

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Police Urge Vigilance and Cooperation From Citizens

In light of the incident, the Lagos State Police Command is urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities. The success of this rescue operation highlights the importance of timely reporting and swift action by law enforcement.

Hundeyin praised the cooperation between the victim’s family and the police, which he said played a major role in resolving the case quickly and without loss of life.

“The timely report by the victim’s father helped us intercept the suspects before they could collect the ransom or harm the victim. We urge all citizens to continue supporting the police by providing accurate and timely information,”
— CSP Benjamin Hundeyin

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What Happens Next: Ongoing Investigations and Prosecution

With one suspect in custody and the hotel manager under investigation, the police are now on the hunt for the remaining members of the kidnapping gang. Authorities are also looking into the possible network or syndicate behind this operation.

Law enforcement agencies are expected to charge Musa Shaibu and any other accomplices with kidnapping, conspiracy, and attempted extortion, among other offenses. If found guilty, the suspects could face lengthy prison sentences under Nigerian law.

Legal experts also say that if it is proven that the hotel manager was complicit in the crime, he too could be charged as an accessory and face criminal penalties.

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Conclusion: A Narrow Escape and a Wake-Up Call

The successful rescue of 14-year-old Hassan is a major win for the Lagos Police, but it also serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats facing Nigerian families. As criminals become more desperate and daring, it's critical that law enforcement, communities, and government agencies work together to curb the rising tide of kidnappings and organized crime.

The confession of Musa Shaibu — a 25-year-old man who planned to use ransom money for an international trip — exposes a disturbing reality: for some young Nigerians, crime has become a fast-track route to the kind of lifestyle they dream about. This calls for a broader conversation on youth empowerment, unemployment, and crime prevention strategies across Nigeria.

For now, Hassan is safe. But the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes in Lagos and beyond is far from over.