Fraudster and soldiers join forces to track down Islamic cleric after prayers go wrong

In a report from Punch Newspaper dated September 4th, 2023, a man named Hamzat has raised an alarm after claiming that suspected soldiers forcefully entered his block factory situated in Bankole Estate, Magboro, Ogun State. They allegedly seized his Toyota RAV 4 vehicle during the incident.

Hamzat, who spoke with PUNCH Metro on Saturday, stated that the soldiers, approximately five in number and travelling in a pick-up van, were searching for his younger brother, Sulaimon, who happens to be an Islamic cleric.

According to Hamzat, the series of events began when he introduced a yet-to-be-identified individual, suspected to be involved in internet fraud and also the brother of his girlfriend, to Sulaimon for special prayers. After the successful prayer session, his girlfriend's brother expressed a desire for additional special prayers. Subsequently, Sulaimon introduced him to another Islamic cleric in the Agege area of Lagos, whose identity remains unknown.

Hamzat mentioned that he is unaware of the exact circumstances that unfolded between his brother and the individual he introduced him to for special prayers.

On Tuesday, Hamzat received a call informing him that some people were present at his block factory and wished to purchase blocks. In response, he quickly went to the factory and provided the interested party with the price of the blocks. During this time, he noticed a group of soldiers entering the estate. They approached him and expressed their desire to speak with him. Confused by the situation, Hamzat inquired about what was happening, but the soldiers forcefully grabbed him.

Upon looking inside their vehicle, Hamzat recognized the individual he had introduced to his brother and the individual's sister, who happened to be his girlfriend. The soldiers demanded that Hamzat accompany them and offered to drive his car, but he refused to hand over the car keys. Instead, he agreed to drive alongside them, asserting that he had not committed any crime or engaged in any form of theft.

The soldiers took Hamzat to their barracks in Ebute where, as alleged by Hamzat, they collected ₦10,000 from him and seized his car until he produces his brother. Hamzat mentioned that one of the soldiers consistently called him, asking for his brother to be produced.

When the number belonging to the soldier was contacted by the correspondent, the recipient requested that the correspondent come to the Army base at Arepo.

Upon being contacted, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Ayeni Olabisi, promised to investigate the matter. Similarly, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the case is currently under investigation.