The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old man, Metu Jilani, in Seni Salla village, Saki area of the state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026, after receiving threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13.
The callers allegedly claimed that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill Jilani and members of his family, warning that any attempt to flee would result in the abduction of his younger brother. The suspects subsequently demanded ₦3 million, directing the complainant to sell two of his houses and transfer the proceeds to them, or risk being kidnapped. The police said the transaction provided an investigative lead as detectives focused on those who would attempt to withdraw the money.
The police said the suspects provided the account of a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, identified as Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, to facilitate the payment. The complainant, however, transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account instead of the demanded ₦3 million. This led to the arrest of one of the suspects, Hantsi Abdullahi, who went to the POS operator to withdraw the money.
Abdullahi was arrested on September 18, at about 10 am, while his accomplice, Hantsi Liman, escaped from the scene. The arrested suspect was attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened and took him to hospital for medical attention. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.
The police are working to apprehend all persons allegedly connected with the offence. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state, with many residents calling for increased vigilance and security measures. The police have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to prevent such incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Oyo State Police Command has been working to tackle the issue of kidnapping and other crimes in the state. In recent months, the police have made several arrests and rescued many kidnapped victims. The command has also been engaging with the public, advising them to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The suspect's arrest has brought some relief to the victim and his family, who had been living in fear of being kidnapped. The police are expected to provide more updates on the investigation in the coming days. The incident highlights the need for continued collaboration between the police and the public to prevent and combat crime in the state.
Key points
- Oyo State Police Command arrests suspect over alleged plot to kidnap 50-year-old man.
- Suspects demanded ₦3 million ransom from the victim.
- Police are working to apprehend all persons allegedly connected with the offence.
