Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested six suspected members of two fraud syndicates allegedly targeting traders and successful business operators in major markets across the state.
The suspects reportedly operated a network that identified prospective victims, lured them with fake commodity supply deals and allegedly dispossessed them of their money.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the police also recovered a list containing the details of more than 125 traders and business operators in major Lagos markets, including Oshodi, Arena, Idumota, Alaba and Trade Fair, who were allegedly marked as potential targets by one of the syndicates.
One of the gangs was also accused of luring a tyre merchant to the Aiyetoro-Itele area of Ogun State, where he was allegedly held captive until about N24m was reportedly paid as ransom for his release.
The syndicate’s operation reportedly came under police scrutiny after its members lured a cloth seller to the Ayobo area of Lagos, where operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swooped on them and arrested three suspects.
