A Case of Mistaken Identity? Businessman Accused of Being a Badoo Sponsor Cries Out
Businessman Denies Allegations
Alhaji Akala Abayomi, a Lagos-based businessman, has denied allegations linking him to the notorious Badoo cult group. The police arrested him and allegedly labeled him a sponsor of the criminal gang. However, Abayomi described the accusation as false and insisted that the police only wanted to frame him.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force to prove their claims or face legal action. According to him, the police invited him to make a statement and later released him without charge.
Police Dispute His Release
Despite Abayomi’s claim, the Lagos State Police Command stated that he remains in custody. The police said they admitted him to a hospital for treatment ahead of surgery for an enlarged testicle.
Dr. Paul Umoh, a Chief Superintendent of Police and officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Tactical Squad (STS), said the police never released Abayomi. He described him as a suspect still under investigation.
According to Umoh, Abayomi admitted practicing traditional worship but denied sponsoring the Badoo group. He explained that officers moved him to the hospital because of his health condition.
Abayomi Recounts His Ordeal
Speaking angrily in Yoruba, Abayomi said an audio recording had circulated online for months. The recording allegedly mentioned his name, alongside those of the Ikorodu monarch, the Ibeshe monarch, and others, as Badoo sponsors.
He claimed security operatives searched his house thoroughly but found nothing incriminating. Despite this, officers took him to the police station and refused to allow him write a statement.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
He further alleged that police officers later conducted night raids across Ikorodu. According to him, they arrested several people whose names appeared in the circulating audio recording.
Shrine Visit and Media Exclusion
Abayomi said police officers later took him to a shrine he occasionally visited for spiritual support in his business. He insisted that the shrine did not belong to him and that its owner, Baba Oluwo, died seven years ago.
He challenged the police to open nearby graves to prove wrongdoing. According to him, officers refused. He also claimed they denied him access to journalists while speaking to the media themselves.
Threat of Legal Action
Abayomi accused the police of arresting innocent people under the guise of fighting the Badoo menace. He described their actions as criminal and accused them of extortion and intimidation.
He alleged that attacks on his home and business followed the media reports linking him to the cult group. As a result, he vowed to sue the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, and media organizations that published the allegation without interviewing him.
Security Sources Cite Intelligence Reports
However, a security source revealed that Abayomi’s arrest followed intelligence reports shared among the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military. The reports allegedly named him and other prominent individuals as sponsors of the Badoo group.
Investigations, according to the source, are still ongoing.
