By Our Reporter What was initially believed to be a chilling case of abduction in the early hours of Friday in Badagry has now been clarifi...
By Our Reporter
What was initially believed to be a chilling case of abduction in the early hours of Friday in Badagry has now been clarified as a police from operation linked to a land dispute, multiple sources have confirmed.
Sources say the officers came from Zone Two Police Headquarters, Lagos Island
Earlier reports by Badagry Today indicated that two prominent traditional leaders — Chief Ayuba Olabimtan, Baale of Osun-Egbado, and Chief Ademola Ajose, Baba Oja of the same community — were forcefully taken from their homes in Mowo, Olorunda LCDA, by armed men during a terrifying late-night raid around 1:00 a.m.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as a coordinated ambush involving five vehicles and men who appeared heavily armed. According to Chief Kolawole Alabi, Baale of Mowo, two of the men wore aprons labelled “POLICE,” but their aggressive, unprofessional conduct cast immediate doubt on their true identity.
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“They allegedly scaled the fence, broke into the house, and dragged Chief Ayuba out after threatening to shoot into the ceiling where he was hiding,” Chief Alabi recounted. “They confiscated everyone’s phones and operated like thugs, not officers.”
Chief Ademola Ajose was also taken in a similar manner. His home was invaded and he was whisked away to an unknown location in what residents feared was a case of abduction.
Panic swept through the community as news spread, and many residents stayed indoors throughout the morning. The incident was promptly reported at the Morogbo Police Station, but officers there initially denied knowledge of any sanctioned operation involving the two chiefs.
However, as community anxiety grew and the Lagos State Police Command remained silent, further investigation revealed that the two traditional leaders were, in fact, arrested by law enforcement over an ongoing land sale controversy.
While official police confirmation is still being awaited as at the time of filing this report, sources close to the investigation suggest the arrests stem from complaints filed in connection with disputed land transactions within the community.
The lack of communication and the aggressive manner of the operation have drawn sharp criticism from community leaders and human rights observers, who argue that even lawful arrests should not be carried out in a manner that creates panic or resembles criminal abduction.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for improved communication between law enforcement and communities, especially in sensitive matters involving traditional institutions,” said a concerned resident who asked not to be named.
Family members of the detained chiefs, who spent much of the day fearing the worst, are now demanding transparency and immediate access to their loved ones.
As investigations continue and details emerge, Badagry residents are calling for calm — and clarity — from security agencies tasked with protecting them.
Badagry Today will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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