The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old painter, Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly kidnapping his employer’s 7-year-old son and demanding a ransom of ₦7 million.

Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident, explaining that on August 25, 2025, the boy’s father reported at the Alapere Police Division that his child had been taken by the family’s painter without consent.

Shortly after, the suspect contacted the victim’s mother, demanding ₦7 million for the boy’s release.

Following swift investigation, the case was handed over to the Special Squad I of the Lagos State Police Command. On August 27, 2025, operatives traced Clement to Ijegun, Lagos, where they arrested him and rescued the child unharmed from a locked room.

Hundeyin revealed that Clement confessed to the crime, claiming he carried out the act to raise money for family needs.

The police confirmed that the child has since been reunited safely with his family, while investigations continue to identify possible accomplices. The suspect will be charged to court soon.