Police in Ogun State have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the abduction and killing of a teenager last month. Bayegun Nathaniel was picked up by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following weeks of intelligence work.
The victim, 16-year-old Adegbaaju Florence, was taken from Ogijo area in Sagamu Local Government Area. She hasn't been seen alive since her abduction in recent weeks.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest on Saturday. He noted that Nathaniel admitted to acting alone in the crime.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that kidnappers collected ₦500,000 in ransom. Police investigations showed the girl was killed after the money changed hands.
Her body was then thrown into a river within the Ogijo area. Authorities are now searching to recover her remains for proper examination.
"Efforts are currently ongoing to locate and recover the remains for necessary forensic procedures," Babaseyi told reporters. He added that investigations are continuing to ensure a thorough process.
Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni expressed sympathy to Florence's family on Friday. He vowed that justice would be pursued without delay in the case.
Ojajuni reiterated the command's commitment to protecting lives across the state. He promised to bring all perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
In a separate operation, officers also recovered an illegal firearm during a stop-and-search exercise. A male suspect on an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle spotted the operatives and fled.
As he tried to escape, the rider discarded a single-barrel long gun and six live cartridges into nearby bushes. Officers immediately recovered the weapons and secured them at the command armoury.
Police are still searching for the motorcycle rider. Babaseyi said investigators are working to identify and apprehend him for prosecution.
Ojajuni praised the operatives for their vigilance during the operation. He emphasized the command's zero-tolerance stance against illegal firearms in the state.
He assured residents that all measures are being taken to arrest the suspect and curb criminal activity. Police urged the public to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
