Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In early August 2018, police in Owo town, Ondo State, were confronted with an unusual criminal case involving a suspected kidnapper who fell into a deep sleep during his arrest and remained unconscious for days due to drug use, ultimately resulting in his death. The bizarre incident drew widespread attention across Nigeria and raised concerns about substance abuse and criminal behavior in the region.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 5, 2018, when a three-man gang attempted to abduct the owner of a pharmacy in Owo. The suspects entered the premises armed with a locally made firearm, intending to kidnap the pharmacist and demand a ransom. However, the plan quickly failed when the targeted victim raised the alarm and escaped through a back exit, causing the criminals to flee.
During the escape, one of the suspects stumbled while trying to mount a stolen motorcycle and was apprehended by police. Authorities noted that he had consumed a large dose of tramadol, a powerful painkiller that is commonly abused in Nigeria for its psychoactive effects. A 400mg tramadol tablet was recovered from his pocket when he was arrested.
Remarkably, the suspect fell into a deep sleep immediately after being apprehended and remained unresponsive. Police officers struggled to wake him, and when he was paraded to the State Police Command headquarters in Akure, he was still unconscious. Despite medical supervision, intravenous treatment, and close monitoring, he continued sleeping for more than six days, leaving officers and the public puzzled.
Additional items seized from the suspect included the locally made firearm used in the attempted kidnapping. The other two members of the gang managed to escape with the stolen motorcycle, and police launched efforts to track them down.
Tragically, about nine days after the arrest, the suspect died while receiving treatment at Owo General Hospital. Authorities indicated that complications linked to the excessive tramadol intake likely contributed to his death. Doctors reportedly attempted various interventions to revive him, but his condition deteriorated, and he passed away in custody.
The case sparked national discussion about drug abuse, particularly tramadol misuse, and its role in fueling criminal activities. Analysts highlighted how psychoactive substances can complicate law enforcement efforts and endanger both suspects and the public. Police urged communities to monitor the behavior of young people closely and remain vigilant about potential exposure to harmful drugs.
While the death of the suspect meant he would not face prosecution, the investigation into the remaining gang members continued. The incident remains one of the most extraordinary crime stories in Ondo State, illustrating the intersections of substance abuse, armed crime, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such cases.
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