The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, has arrested a suspected notorious gang leader, Tope Orile, popularly known as “Iku,” over alleged involvement in violent attacks, intimidation and threats against residents and business owners in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The arrest followed a petition filed by a Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Olakunle Michael, who accused members of the dreaded “Badoo” cult group of threatening his life, extorting him and eventually destroying his business and residence.
According to a Police Report dated May 12, 2013 and obtained by our correspondent, Michael, owner of Hedge Associates, producers of Seadream Vodka, alleged that the gang demanded N2 million from him as a condition for continuing operations at his factory in Ikorodu.
The businessman claimed that Tope Orile, widely feared in the community and popularly called “Iku,” meaning “death,” led a violent gang notorious for terrorising residents and business operators through assaults, intimidation and attacks on property.
The report stated that the cult group emerged after a violent supremacy battle among rival gangs in the area and later became associated with killings and ritual-related activities in the community.
Michael told investigators that efforts to seek intervention from the traditional ruler and Community Development Association failed, leaving him with no option but to approach security authorities despite fears of reprisal attacks.
Acting on the petition and subsequent investigations, operatives of the FCID reportedly arrested Tope Orile following repeated complaints of attacks on the businessman’s factory and personal property.
However, the businessman alleged that shortly after the gang leader was convicted for criminal assault, grievous harm and malicious damage, suspected members of the group launched a revenge attack on June 12, 2013, setting his residence and factory ablaze.
He said the incident destroyed his entire investment and rendered his family homeless.
According to the report, Michael later relocated from Ikorodu to Alakuko area of Lagos State in an attempt to rebuild his life, but alleged that members of the gang continued to trail and threaten him and his family.
The report further stated that the businessman secretly moved his wife and children to Ibadan in Oyo State for safety after receiving repeated death threats.
He alleged that even while in hiding, his family members were attacked and tortured by suspected hoodlums linked to the gang, forcing another relocation to Oda community in Akure, Ondo State.
Despite his conviction and sentencing, security sources alleged that Tope Orile later resurfaced in Akure after regaining freedom and allegedly continued coordinating gang activities and threats against Michael and his family.
Sources further disclosed that complaints arising from his alleged continued criminal activities after release eventually led to his second arrest by law enforcement authorities.
The police report indicated that the matter was formally recorded at the FCID Annex, while Detective Alabaoro John was assigned to handle investigations.
Police authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of press time.
