Electrician kidnapped, killed by 21-year-old ex-assistant in Kwara

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Soliu Olarewaju Mujeeb, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old electrical technician, Mr. Olarewaju Olusegun Afolabi, in Ilorin.

The State Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed the arrest on Sunday, saying it followed an intensive investigation into the disappearance of the victim.

According to the NSCDC, Afolabi left his residence on June 7 to inspect an electrical installation project but failed to return home, prompting concern among family members and associates.

The matter was reported to the corps’ Tracking Unit on June 11 after repeated efforts to reach the victim proved unsuccessful. Shortly after his disappearance, family members reportedly began receiving ransom demands of two million naira from his mobile phone.

The family was said to have raised and paid N120,000 based on instructions from the caller, while security operatives launched an intelligence-led investigation involving digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions linked to the victim’s account.

The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. The NSCDC said the suspect admitted knowing the deceased, having previously worked with him as an assistant on electrical installation jobs.

According to the command, the suspect allegedly lured the victim to an uncompleted building in the Kangile area of Kunlende, Ilorin, under the pretext of inspecting a new project. He reportedly confessed to killing the victim and taking possession of his mobile phone and SIM card, which were later used to demand ransom from the family.

The NSCDC said the suspect subsequently led operatives to the scene, where a shallow grave believed to contain the victim’s remains was discovered. The victim’s phone and SIM card were also recovered. Commandant Mohammed assured residents that investigations are ongoing and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat crime in the state.