A human rights group, The Initiative for Equal Rights, has raised the alarm about the activities of a group identified as Kito, which allegedly uses online platforms to perpetuate criminal activities, including kidnapping, across the country.

The group, in a statement made available to the PUNCH on Monday, alleged that the Kito group specialised in kidnapping, assault, blackmail, extortion and robbery, stressing that their activities had posed a security challenge to Nigerians.

According to TIER, the group operated by luring unsuspecting members of the public to secluded places with a job offer, companionship, or opportunity.

TIER disclosed further that about 996 cases of human rights violations documented by human rights groups were perpetuated by the Kito group.

It added that despite the quest to get the arrested members of the gang prosecuted, a lawyer for one of the victims was arrested instead.

These alleged criminals are being held for kidnapping and armed robbery and will be charged following a thorough investigation.

The group, however, appealed to the police to ensure they were brought to justice.

The statement partly reads, “Numerous victims have reported human rights violations of this specific nature, where they are targeted online due to their real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

“On March 17, 2024, the Nigerian Police apprehended a ten-member Kito gang in Lagos State, Nigeria. The gang was arrested at Ikate and taken to Special Squad 1, Police Headquarters in Ikeja.

“However, one of these lawyers, who was the first to arrive at the scene, was unlawfully arrested on false claims of gang affiliation.

“The court refused to make a remand order against the lawyer as there was no prima facie evidence linking him to the gang.