Police Arrest Painter For Kidnapping Seven-Year-Old Boy In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Chigozie Michael Clement, for the abduction of a seven-year-old boy in the Alapere area of Lagos.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspect, who worked as a painter for the victim’s family, allegedly kidnapped the child from their home on August 25, 2025, without the father’s knowledge or consent.

Shortly after the abduction, Clement reportedly contacted the boy’s mother, demanding a ransom of N7m for the child’s safe return.

Following the report made by the victim’s father at the Alapere Police Division, the case was immediately transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I for a thorough investigation.

Two days later, on August 27, police operatives successfully traced the suspect to a residence in Ijegun, where he was apprehended.

The child was rescued unharmed from a locked room and has since been reunited with his family.

During interrogation, Hundeyin said the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he kidnapped the boy to raise money for personal family needs.

According to him, investigations are ongoing to determine if there are any accomplices, adding that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

“On 25 August 2025, the victim’s father reported at Alapere Police Division that his son had been taken away from his house without his consent by his painter.

“Shortly after, the suspect called the victim’s mother, demanding the sum of N7,000,000 (Seven Million Naira) as ransom for the child’s release.

“Following the report, the case was transferred to the Special Squad I of the Lagos State Police Command for a discreet investigation.

“On 27 August 2025, operatives traced the suspect to Ijegun, Lagos, where he was arrested, and the 7-year-old victim rescued unhurt from a locked room where he had been held captive. The victim has since been reunited with his family.

“The suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he kidnapped the child to raise money for personal family needs.

“Investigations are ongoing to uncover possible accomplices and evidence, and the case will be charged to court accordingly,” Hundeyin said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh reassured residents that the Command will continue to deploy all available resources to combat crimes in the state.