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OGUN, Nigeria - The Onipanu Divisional Headquarters of the Ogun State Police Command has detained a ride-share driver, Olayemi Yusuf, a 30-year-old male, for allegedly abducting a female passenger.
The accused, who was also attacked by a crowd, is now in police custody while an investigation is underway.
In a statement made on Tuesday, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed that on March 24, around 1:00 p.m., police received reports about a suspicious vehicle on Ilogbo Road, Ojuore, Ogun State.
She reported that a prompt police action resulted in the rescue of the victim, Coutroupis Peace, a 22-year-old female residing at No. 17 Fisher Street, Cement Bus Stop, Lagos.
"Initial investigations indicate that the victim booked an online ride from Lekki, Lagos, to Freedom Way, Lekki. However, during the trip, the driver alleged that his navigation system had failed and he strayed from the correct path.
He then overpowered the victim and bound her hands with two plastic tyre clips.
"When they reached Omowo Filling Station along Ilogbo Road in Ota, the victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of bystanders who rushed to help her and subsequently assaulted the driver until police arrived at the scene. Both the victim and the driver were taken to the police station, where the driver received medical care for injuries incurred from the mob.
"The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, urges the public not to take the law into their own hands and encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation and legal measures," she stated.
