By Adeyinka Adeniran
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, a members of his family.
According to the Police, arrest of the suspect followed report received by them and subsequent intelligence-led intervention.
A statement by the spokesman for the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the case was brought to the attention of the Police on 19 September 2026 at about 1820hrs when the complainant, Metu Jilani, reported that he had received threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on 13 September 2026.
“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.
“Having established the nature of the threat, the callers proceeded to make a financial demand, directing the complainant to sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them, failing which he would be kidnapped.
“To facilitate the payment, they provided him 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.
“In response to the demand, the complainant transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account instead of the full amount requested. The transaction subsequently provided an investigative lead, as attention was focused on the persons who would attempt to access the money and their possible connection to the threats.
“Consequently, on 18 September 2026 at about 1000hrs, 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.
“Following the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before Police operatives intervened and took him 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, including the identities and roles of other persons who may be connected with the case.
“In view of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend all persons found to be connected with the offence.”
He however urged members of the public to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the Police, as timely reporting remains critical to enabling effective intervention and preventing criminal activities.
