The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with alleged threats to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation after the victim reported receiving threatening telephone calls from unknown persons. The victim, Metu Jilani, reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026.
The threatening calls started on September 13, 2026, with the callers claiming they had been contracted to kidnap and kill Jilani and members of his family. They warned that any attempt to flee would lead to the abduction of his younger brother. The suspects subsequently demanded money from the victim, directing him to sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them or face abduction. The police were able to track the suspect after Jilani transferred N100,000 into the account provided by the suspects.
The suspects provided the account of a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The police used this information to apprehend the suspect. Two men, identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both of Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten LGA, Kwara State, went to the POS operator on September 18 to withdraw the money.
Abdullahi was arrested while attempting to collect the funds, while Liman escaped from the scene. The suspect was subsequently attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened and took him to hospital for medical attention. Abdullahi remained on admission, while efforts were ongoing to arrest his alleged accomplice and establish the circumstances surrounding the threat.
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 found to be connected with the alleged offence. The police are working to identify other persons who might be connected with the case. The command urged members of the public to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the police.
The police stressed that timely reporting was crucial to effective intervention and prevention of criminal activities. The public is advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. The Oyo State Police Command is working to ensure that the suspect and any other accomplices are brought to justice.
The suspect's arrest is a significant breakthrough in the case, and the police are hopeful that it will lead to the arrest of other suspects and the resolution of the case. The police will continue to work to ensure the safety and security of residents in the state.
Key points
- The Oyo State Police arrested a suspect over alleged threats to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident, demanding N3m.
- The suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation after the victim reported receiving threatening telephone calls.
- The police are working to arrest the suspect's alleged accomplice and establish the circumstances surrounding the threat.
