John Lyon, an alleged kidnapper who operates in Bayelsa state, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for allegedly belonging to a kidnap syndicate responsible for several high profile abductions and robbery in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta.
Lyon was said to have been arrested on Saturday in the federal capital territory (FCT) by officers of the Bayelsa police command.
A video showing the alleged kidnapper being handcuffed surfaced on social media over the weekend.
In the less than two-minute video, Lyon confessed to kidnapping, adding that he only joined the syndicate to carry out two operations.
He was also seen begging for forgiveness over his alleged crime, saying his wife had just delivered a baby.
“Sir, please forgive me. My wife just born self,” he said in a video while shedding tears.
According to his Facebook profile, Lyon worked for a bank from 2008 to 2014.
He also identified himself as the chief executive officer of Lions Interior Hub.
On numerous Facebook posts, Lyon identified as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lyon’s social media posts feature him showing off luxurious items, displays of religiosity and posting motivational quotes about success.
Confirming the arrest, Asinim Butswat, spokesperson of Bayelsa police, said that Lyon is currently in the custody of the command.
Butswat said the command will provide more details about his arrest on Monday.
John’s elder brother, David Lyon almost became governor of Bayelsa State in 2019. David Lyon was former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 Bayelsa gubernatorial election.
He was declared winner of the election, but a day to his swearing-in as governor, his election was invalidated by the Supreme Court which ruled that his running mate, Degi Eremienyo Wangagra submitted a fake certificate to INEC. The apex court ordered that Douye Diri of PDP who came second in the election be issued a certificate of return and sworn in as governor.
