A 30-year-old man, Bayegun Nathaniel, has been arrested by operatives of the Ogun Police Command for alleged abduction and killing of a 16-year-old girl in Ogiijo, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the girl, Adegbaaju Florence, was abducted last month in the Ogiijo area.

It was further gathered that following a report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command carried out an intelligence gathering and arrested the suspect on Saturday.

Confirming the incident, the Police Spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspect was apprehended following sustained intelligence-led operations.

Babaseyi said the suspect admitted his involvement in the alleged crime, saying he acted alone.

According to him, the suspect further disclosed that a ransom of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) was collected.

“Investigation indicates that the victim was later killed, and her body disposed of in a river within the Ogiijo area,” Babaseyi said.

He added that, “Efforts are currently ongoing to locate and recover the remains for necessary forensic procedures, while further investigative steps continue to ensure a thorough and conclusive process.”

Babaseyi quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, to have expressed deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and assured that justice will be diligently pursued.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and to bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

Meanwhile, the Command had recovered a single-barrel long gun and six live cartridges as the suspect fled during a stop-and-search operation.

Babaseyi, in a statement, said during the operation, a yet-to-be-identified male suspect, riding an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, sighted the operatives from a distance and immediately fled.

“In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect reportedly threw a single-barrel long gun along with six live cartridges into a nearby bush before escaping on the motorcycle,” he said.

According to him, the exhibits were promptly recovered and secured at the Command armoury for safekeeping.

He said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect for investigation and prosecution.

Babaseyi quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, to have commended the vigilance of the operatives and reiterates the Command’s firm stance against illegal possession of firearms.

The CP assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the suspect and prevent criminal activities within the State. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)