The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a kidnap-and-kill threat made against a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the arrest followed a report received by the police and a subsequent intelligence-led intervention. The case was brought to the attention of the police on September 19, 2026, at about 6:20pm.
The complainant, Metu Jilani, reported that he had received threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13. The callers claimed that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, while warning that any attempt to flee would result in the abduction of his younger brother. The police said that after establishing the nature of the threat, the callers proceeded to make a financial demand.
The callers provided Jilani with an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, one Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and directed him to pay the sum of ₦3 million into the account. Jilani transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account instead of the full amount demanded. The transaction provided an investigative lead, as attention was focused on the persons who would attempt to access the money.
On September 18, at about 10am, two men identified as Hantsi Abdullahi of Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten LGA, Kwara State, and Hantsi Liman of the same address, went to the POS operator to withdraw the money. While attempting to collect the funds, Abdullahi was apprehended, whereas Liman escaped from the scene. The suspect was attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened.
Following the arrest, the suspect was taken to the 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 Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter.
The police are working to identify and apprehend all persons found to be connected with the offence. The Command urged members of the public to promptly report threats, suspicious movements, and other actionable information to the police. Timely reporting remains critical to enabling effective intervention and preventing criminal activities.
The Oyo State Police Command is yet to reveal the identities and roles of other persons who may be connected with the case. The investigation is ongoing, and the public is assured that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The Oyo State Police Command arrested a suspect over a ₦3m kidnap-and-kill threat against a 50-year-old resident and his family.
- The suspect, Hantsi Abdullahi, was apprehended while attempting to withdraw the money from a POS operator.
- The police are working to apprehend the suspect's fleeing accomplice and determine the full circumstances surrounding the threat.
