Shola Daniel, a farm owner, was kidnapped and attacked by gunmen at his farmhouse on Friday over alleged drug dealings.
Daniel and two of his workers were monitoring his farm near Imoren-Imota, Agohun, a border town between Lagos and Ogun States, when a four-man gang tried to kill him, but he was lucky enough to escape through a nearby bush.
Daniel has come dangerously close to death three times since the Friday attack, according to reports.
The first incident occurred in March 2019 in the state’s affluent Lekki axis.
The second incident, according to him, occurred in February 2021 along Aje by Murtala Mohammed Way in Yaba, where he was attacked by unidentified gunmen who he suspected to be members of a drug syndicate.
He suffered fractured arms and a broken thigh as a result of the attack.
“I was on my farm with two of my workers on that particular evening when four armed men walked into the farm,” he said. They insisted on seeing me.
“However, because it was not the first time I’d been subjected to such an invasion, I knew they were up to no good right away.” So, to avoid being killed or kidnapped, I made my way through the bush.
“Gunmen have been on my tail for months, pursuing me for an offense I have no knowledge of.”
“While I was in the United States, some people contacted me and asked if I could assist them in scouting for business partners who could invest in their line of business. Because they said it was a courier business, I assumed it was legitimate.
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“I introduced a man to the people because he expressed an interest in participating in the business.”
“But months passed, and I had no idea what had happened between them, but I was aware that something had gone wrong with their business transaction.” As a result, they claimed that the man-made had taken their money.
“I had returned to Lagos, Nigeria, at this time.” When they were unable to locate the man, they turned their attention to me. They claimed I was obligated to repay the money he stole solely because I introduced him to them. They assumed I conspired with the man to defraud them, and that was the start of my insomnia.
“They threatened to kill me if I didn’t repay their money.” I was intrigued. This is when I discovered the nature of their company. They claimed it was courier business, but it was illegal drug dealing.
“I had a feeling I was in a lot of trouble.” In February 2021, I was attacked by armed men along Aje by Murtala Mohammed way in Yaba, Lagos. My arms were fractured and I was tortured and injured.
“When I realized I wasn’t safe anymore, I filed a formal complaint with the NDLEA’s Ikoyi office.” An official from the agency called the syndicate’s leader, warning them against such an act and assuring him of my safety.
“However, I’ve recently noticed some strange faces following me around. So I moved to Ikorodu, where I thought I’d be safer, but that was not to be, as I was attacked again on my farm with two of my workers by armed gunmen. But, thanks to God, I was able to get away unscathed.”
“Our boss escaped death by the whiskers, and that was the second time an attempt would be made on his life,” one of the farmworkers said on condition of anonymity.
“We were about to call it a day when four armed men entered the farm. They demanded to see my boss with their faces covered. Perhaps he had seen them approaching, which is why he was able to avoid the attack.”
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Attempts to contact Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Adekunle Ajisebutu were unsuccessful, as his phone rang several times without receiving a response.
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