“He Took My Child!” – Father Exposes Painter Who Allegedly Kidnapped 7-Year-Old In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly kidnapping a 7-year-old boy in the Alapere area of Lagos.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that swift police action led to the rescue of the child, who was found unharmed.

According to the report, the boy’s father lodged a complaint at the Alapere Police Division on August 25, 2025, after his child was allegedly abducted by Clement, a painter who had previously worked for the family. The father stated that the suspect took the boy away without consent and soon after placed a ransom call to the victim’s mother.

The suspect allegedly demanded ₦7 million (about $4,800) in exchange for the child’s release.

Police Swiftly Respond

The case was immediately transferred to the Special Squad I of the Lagos State Police Command for discreet investigation. Following intelligence-led operations, police traced Clement to Ijegun, Lagos, where he was arrested on August 27, 2025.

The rescued child was found locked inside a room where he had been kept for two days. Fortunately, he was unharmed and has since been reunited with his family.

“The suspect confessed to the crime, stating he kidnapped the child in a desperate attempt to raise money for family needs,” said Hundeyin in the official statement.

A Disturbing Trend in Lagos

Kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and other urban centers. While rural areas often experience mass abductions, urban kidnappings typically involve targeted individuals, often children, with ransom demands ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of naira.

According to a 2024 report by SBM Intelligence, Nigeria recorded more than 3,600 abduction cases between 2021 and 2023, with ransom payments estimated to exceed ₦5 billion. Experts warn that the growing economic crisis, unemployment, and rising inflation are fueling the kidnapping industry.

Security analyst Dr. Kabir Adamu noted that urban kidnappings pose a unique challenge because perpetrators often exploit close relationships with their victims, as in this case where the family painter betrayed their trust.

“This incident highlights the growing trend of insider-enabled abductions in Nigerian cities. Families need to exercise caution when employing workers, while authorities must strengthen background checks and community surveillance,” Adamu said.

The Human Toll

Child kidnappings leave lasting trauma on victims and families, even when the children are rescued safely. Psychologists warn that children may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or fear of strangers after such ordeals.

Speaking to BBC Africa on similar incidents, child protection expert Dr. Joy Okechukwu emphasized the importance of post-rescue counseling.
“Reuniting children with their families is only the first step. Proper psychological support must be provided to help them recover from the trauma of captivity,” she said.

Government and Police Efforts

The Lagos State Police Command has repeatedly assured residents of its commitment to fighting crime. Recent months have seen increased deployment of undercover operatives and special squads targeting violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

SP Hundeyin urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards criminal acts.

“We want to assure Lagosians that the police remain resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all. This arrest is another indication that criminals cannot hide under the cover of Lagos’ size and population. The law will always catch up with them,” Hundeyin said.

Kidnapping: A National and Global Issue

Kidnapping is not limited to Nigeria. Across Africa, countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have faced rising incidents of abductions for ransom. Globally, nations like Mexico, Colombia, and India have also struggled with similar crimes.

In Mexico, for instance, children are increasingly targeted for ransom due to their vulnerability. International agencies such as Interpol and UNICEF have called for stronger cross-border collaboration to curb the trend.

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has pledged to strengthen security architecture and intelligence sharing between police, military, and local vigilante groups. However, citizens remain concerned about delays in policy implementation and rising crime rates.

What Families Can Do

Experts advise parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children from abduction risks:

• Avoid leaving children unattended, even with familiar workers, without proper supervision.

• Educate children on basic safety rules, such as not leaving the house without informing parents.

• Use technology such as CCTV, GPS-enabled phones, or child-tracking devices for additional monitoring.

• Build strong community networks where neighbors watch out for one another.

Conclusion

The arrest of Chigozie Michael Clement and the safe rescue of the abducted 7-year-old boy provide some relief to a community shaken by the incident. Yet, the case underscores the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, Africa’s largest city.

As authorities continue their crackdown on criminal networks, experts stress that citizens must remain alert and that greater investment is needed in community policing, youth employment, and mental health support for victims.

For now, the rescued child is back in the warm embrace of his family, a reminder that swift police action and community vigilance can make the difference between tragedy and relief.