By Peace Erewunmi

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has cited the case of notorious kidnap kingpin Evans as an example of how criminal networks often operate behind the scenes while their leaders live comfortably away from the scenes of their crimes.

Speaking on issues relating to insecurity and criminal activities, Fayose recalled that Evans was arrested in an upscale area of Lagos while members of his gang were allegedly carrying out kidnapping operations in different locations.

According to Fayose, the development highlights the complex nature of organized crime, where those directing criminal activities may not necessarily be found in the areas where the crimes are committed.

“Evans was picked in Magodo living in affluence in town, but his boys in the bush were doing evils,” he said.

The former governor stressed the need for intelligence-driven security operations to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind criminal networks rather than focusing only on those directly involved in attacks and kidnappings.

Fayose argued that many criminal enterprises are coordinated by individuals who attempt to conceal their involvement while maintaining a legitimate public image.

He called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency cooperation in tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of organized crime across the country.

Evans, whose real name is Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, was arrested in Lagos in 2017 and later faced multiple criminal charges related to kidnapping and other offences.

The former governor’s remarks have generated discussions on the importance of targeting criminal kingpins and financiers in the fight against insecurity.

As of the time of filing this report, security experts continue to emphasize intelligence-led policing as a key strategy for dismantling organized criminal networks.