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The Department of State Security (DSS) on Monday rescued an
American citizen, Tawanda Lynn Jackson, who was abducted by one
Mathew Adedoyin, whom she met on social media.
Director of the Lagos Command, Mrs. Betty Adoki, said
46-year-old Jackson, who arrived Lagos on Sunday, November 11, was
received at the airport by the suspect, who held her hostage for
days with the help of one Idowu Ayeni.
According to her, the American Embassy in Lagos had reported
Jackson’s abduction, prompting DSS operatives to swing into
action.
In a joint operation with military personnel of the 9 Brigade,
Nigeria Army, Lagos, she said several raids were carried out at
specified criminal hideouts.
Adoki said the suspect had lured the mother of five through
social media, claiming to be a wealthy prince from Arogbatesu royal
family of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The suspect had also lied to the victim that he was an exporter
of ginger and bitter cola, with a large plantation of cocoa and
palm oil, claiming that he had many slaves working for him.
The DSS director said: “He said that his father was a former
king of Ife Titun, Osun State and that he was heir apparent to the
throne.
“He further cajoled the victim that he owns several buildings in
Lagos, including where Jackson was held hostage.
“But the victim started to suspect a foul play when he was
losing patience and said he rented the place, meanwhile, it was a
ramshackle place he said his father owned.”
The DSS director said Adedoyin had reserved Protea Hotel, Ikeja,
as accommodation for the victim while in Nigeria, but deliberately
moved her to another hotel in order to prevent her from being
monitored by the US embassy.
Adoki said: “He eventually seized the International Passport,
credit card and United States identity card of the victim in order
to prevent her possible escape.
“The suspected abductors received the victim at Murtala Mohammed
International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos on November 11 and
promptly lodged her at Turn Up Hotel, Ipaja for three days before
moving her to a prepared hideout in Abule Egba, where she was held
hostage.
“Consequently, on November 26, 2018 about 0200hours, Jackson,
was rescued from the captivity of these criminal elements that are
suspected to be internet fraudsters and kidnappers.
“Jackson was held hostage at No. 7, Akanbi Street, Abule Egba,
Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Lagos by one Mathew Adedoyin and his accomplice,
Idowu Ayeni.”
She said investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspects
would be prosecuted in line with relevant laws.
Adedoyin, who claimed to be a real estate agent, denied
abducting the victim or sexually abusing her.
He also said the victim had voluntarily flown down to Nigeria
with the intention of getting married to him.
He however admitted that on arrival in Lagos, he lodged her at
Turn Up Hotel, but had to move her to his friend’s house for her to
stay pending when he could raise money for her return ticket to the
United States.
He also denied seizing the victim’s passport, claiming that he
only collected it for safekeeping after he realised that she was
carefree with her bag containing the documents.
His accomplice, Idowu Ayeni, who works as a litigation officer
with a law firm, denied having anything to do with the suspect’s
plans, saying his involvement was letting them squat in his
abode.
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