The Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday rescued Tawanda Lynn Jackson,46 years, an American Citizen, and arrested her abductor, one Mathew Adedoyin,40 years, alongside his accomplice, Idowu Ayeni. The arrest was carried out at no.7, Akanbi Street, Abule Egba in Ifako-Ijaiye where the victim was rescued.
The DSS Director of Lagos Command, Mrs. Betty Adoki, said Jackson had arrived Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) on 11 November, and was received by the suspect who later held her hostage for days as well as sexually assaulted her, with the help of Ayeni.
Adoki mentioned that the American Embassy in Lagos had reported to the command about Jackson’s abduction which prompted investigation which culminated in a joint raid operation of the criminal hideout by a team of security operatives and military personnel of the 9th Brigade, Nigeria Army in Lagos.
The Director disclosed that Adedoyin met the victim on an online dating site, adding that he lured her by pretending to be the prince of Arogbatesu Royal family of Ile-Ife, Osun state. He also claimed to be an exporter of ginger and bitter cola, with a large plantation of cocoa and palm oil, claiming he had a lot of slaves working for him.
“He said that his father was a former king of Ife Titun, Osun state and that he was an 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 foul play when he was losing patience and said he rented the place meanwhile, it was a ramshackle place he said his father owned,” Adoki said.
She said the suspect had reserved Protea hotel, Ikeja as accommodation for Jackson while in Nigeria, but deliberately moved her to another hotel, in order to prevent the Embassy from monitoring the victim. He also seized the victim’s International passport, credit card and United States ID card to prevent her possible escape.
Speaking to newsmen while being paraded, Adedoyin , who claimed to be a real estate agent, denied seizing the victim’s passport, claiming he only collected it for safekeeping after he realised she was careless with her documents and valuables.
His accomplice, Ayeni, who works as a litigation officer with a law firm, denied working with the suspect, saying his only involvement was letting them squat in his home.
