The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Hantsi Abdullahi, in connection with a kidnap-and-kill threat against a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and his family members. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the case was reported to the police on September 19 by the complainant, Metu Jilani. Jilani had received threatening calls on September 13, prompting him to report the matter to the authorities.
The threatening calls claimed that the callers had been contracted to kidnap and kill Jilani and his family, warning that any attempt to flee would result in the abduction of his younger brother. The suspects directed Jilani to sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them, failing which he would be kidnapped. They provided an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten LGA of Kwara State, and directed Jilani to pay N3 million into the account.
Jilani transferred N100,000 into the designated account instead of the full amount, a transaction that provided an investigative lead for the police. On September 18, two men, identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, went to the POS operator to withdraw the money. While attempting to collect the funds, Abdullahi was apprehended, whereas Liman escaped from the scene.
Following the arrest, Abdullahi was attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened and took him to hospital for medical attention. He is currently on admission, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice and determine the full circumstances surrounding the threat. The police are also investigating the identities and roles of other persons who may be connected with the case.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend all persons connected with the offence. The command has urged members of the public to promptly report threats and suspicious movements to the police.
The incident highlights the growing concern over kidnapping and banditry in the region. The police have been working to curb the menace, with recent successes in rescuing kidnapped victims in Kaduna and Katsina states. The Oyo State Police Command's swift action in this case demonstrates its commitment to protecting residents from threats and ensuring their safety.
The police are yet to reveal the motives behind the kidnap-and-kill threat and the identities of other persons involved in the case. The suspect's accomplice, Hantsi Liman, is still at large, and the police are working to apprehend him. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key points
- * The Oyo State Police Command arrested a suspect, Hantsi Abdullahi, in connection with a kidnap-and-kill threat against a 50-year-old resident and his family. * The suspects demanded N3 million from the victim, directing him to sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them. * The police are working to apprehend the suspect's accomplice, Hantsi Liman, and determine the full circumstances surrounding the threat.
