The family of Mrs Olanike Ogundare, who was abducted from her residence in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State, has engaged security agencies to secure her release.
The victim was reportedly taken around 1:00 a.m. from her home on No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street by armed assailants who stormed the premises in a coordinated operation.
Eyewitness accounts from the neighbourhood indicate that the attackers overpowered a security guard at gunpoint before taking her to an undisclosed location.
Efforts to rescue her have since involved the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, alongside local security stakeholders and community leaders, including Gani Adams.
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the abductors have contacted the family on two occasions, demanding a ransom of N60 million for her release.
The kidnappers were said to have used the victim’s phone line to reach out, with communication reportedly handled through an intermediary, Mr Dapo Adeola.
Further findings suggest that the ransom demand has now been converted from naira to United States dollars, a move investigators believe may be intended to complicate tracking and payment monitoring.
It was also gathered that the victim’s husband has already transferred N5 million to the intermediary, although it remains unclear whether the funds have been converted or delivered to the kidnappers.
Security sources believe Mrs Ogundare is still being held in captivity, while efforts continue to trace communications and financial transactions linked to the abduction.
“The ransom demand remains N60,000,000, but now required in US dollars. N5,000,000 already transferred by husband to Adeola,” a source close to the investigation said.
“The status of USD conversion and delivery to kidnappers is unconfirmed. USD demand suggests an organised operation and intent to avoid traceability.
“Use of intermediary presents both risk and monitoring opportunity.”
The source added that urgent steps are being taken to track communications, monitor financial flows, and supervise further negotiations as part of efforts to secure the victim’s safe return.
