The family of Mrs. Olanike Ogundare, who was abducted from her home in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State, has reached out to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify efforts toward securing her release.
Mrs. Ogundare was reportedly kidnapped around 1:00 a.m. from her residence at No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street by armed men believed to be kidnappers.
Eyewitness accounts from residents in the neighbourhood indicate that the attackers carried out a well-organised operation, allegedly holding the security guard at gunpoint before forcefully taking the victim away to an unknown location.
Following the incident, community leaders and local security stakeholders have also joined in the rescue efforts. Among those contacted is the leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Gani Adams.
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the abductors have contacted the family twice, demanding a ransom of ₦60 million for Mrs. Ogundare’s release.
The sources further revealed that the kidnappers reportedly used the victim’s phone line to place calls, which were received by a man identified as Mr. Dapo Adeola, said to be serving as an intermediary between the family and the abductors.
Although the ransom demand was initially stated in naira, it has now reportedly been changed to United States dollars. Investigators believe this may be a deliberate move to make tracking and monitoring of any potential payment more difficult.
It was also gathered that the victim’s husband has already transferred ₦5 million to Adeola, though it remains unclear whether the money has been converted to dollars or delivered to the kidnappers.
Security sources maintain that Mrs. Ogundare is believed to still be in captivity, while efforts continue to trace communications and monitor any financial transactions connected to the case.
A source close to the investigation confirmed that the kidnappers’ demand remains the equivalent of ₦60 million, now requested in dollars, raising suspicion of a more organised kidnapping network attempting to avoid traceability.
The source added that authorities are focusing on tracking communications, monitoring financial movements, and ensuring that any further negotiations are carried out under strict supervision.
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