The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman, identified only as Olayinka, for allegedly abducting her friend’s 13-year-old son, Sheriff Adeleke, in the Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of the state.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Olayinka, a trader in the Oshodi market, was arrested by the Igbogbo Police Division on Saturday after Sheriff, who had been missing for three days, was found, tied up in Olayinka’s room.
Our correspondent gathered that Olayinka and the victim’s mother, Omowumi, who were friends, had both joined in the search for the missing teenager, and also reported the matter at the Igbogbo Police Station.
It was gathered that Sheriff went missing last Wednesday after he was sent on an errand by his mother.
PUNCH Metro was told that on Saturday after Olayinka, who lived on Babalola Aroyewun Street, Igbogbo, had gone to her shop, neighbours allegedly heard someone whimpering in her apartment and forced the door open.
Our correspondent gathered that there was uproar after Sheriff was found in the suspect’s room, with his hands tied together and his mouth gagged.
Policemen, who were reportedly invited, were said to have taken the boy away, while the woman was arrested.
A resident, who gave his name as Saheed, said the boy was admitted in a private hospital and was later transferred to the Ikorodu General Hospital.
He said, “The boy was always in that compound to assist her mother’s friend to fetch water. But for three days, he went missing. He was sent on an errand by the mother and failed to come back home. The suspect and the missing boy’s mother, being friends, even went to the police station together to report the incident.
“They reported a case of a missing person at the Igbogbo Police Station on Thursday. But on Saturday, some neighbours heard someone whimpering in the woman’s flat. They decided to check; but it was locked as she had left for her shop in the Oshodi area.
“The neighbours called other people in the area. That was how the door was forced open and they found the missing boy.”
Our correspondent was told that members of a local vigilance group, known as Onyabo, freed the boy before they informed the police.
The father of the boy, Sulaimon, confirmed that Olayinka was his wife’s friend, adding that she also assisted them to search for the missing teenager.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Olayinka’s arrest, adding that investigation was ongoing into the matter.
She said, “The mother of the victim had reported to the police that her son was missing. She later reported that her son was sighted in the house of her friend, Olayinka. The police have arrested the woman and investigation is ongoing.”
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