The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old painter, identified as Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly abducting his employer’s 7-year-old son in Lagos.

According to police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the child’s father reported to the Alapere Police Division on August 25, 2025, that his son was taken away by the family’s painter without permission.

Not long after, the suspect contacted the boy’s mother, demanding ₦7 million as ransom before releasing the child.

The case was quickly handed over to the Special Squad I of the Lagos State Police Command, who launched a discreet investigation into the matter.

On August 27, 2025, detectives tracked down the painter at Ijegun, Lagos, where he was arrested. The little boy was found locked inside a room but was thankfully rescued unharmed and later reunited with his family.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to the crime, claiming he kidnapped the child because he needed money to take care of personal family issues.

CSP Hundeyin confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to determine if the painter had accomplices, and assured that the suspect will be taken to court once all findings are complete.