Police arrest four suspects for conspiracy, kidnap threat in Kwara
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command, in response to a reported case of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping threats, has arrested four suspects involved in extortion attempts.
On January 15, 2025, at about 06:30 hrs, a resident of Ajuba Fulani Camp, Ilesha Baruba, discovered a white paper placed at the front door of his residence with two phone numbers written on it. Upon calling one of the numbers, the receiver threatened to kidnap him and his family unless a ransom of ₦20 million was paid. After negotiations, the demand was reduced to ₦4 million. The victim promptly reported the case to the police.
Through intelligence-driven operations, operatives from the State Criminal Investigations Department (Anti-Kidnapping Squad) successfully tracked the identified phone numbers, leading to the arrest of two suspects: Tukur Muhammad and Yahaya Abdullahi.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Thursday.
According to the statement, during thorough interrogations, the suspects admitted to strategically placing their contact details at the victim’s residence to establish communication and coerce a ransom payment.
Further investigations uncovered a pattern of criminal activity, indicating that the suspects had been using multiple phone numbers to issue threats and extort unsuspecting individuals.
The suspects have been charged to court and remanded in one of the state’s correctional facilities.
Similarly, two more suspects have been arrested for criminal conspiracy and extortion in an attempt to extort ₦5 million from their victims.
The Command successfully foiled another kidnapping plot and arrested two suspects involved in criminal conspiracy and extortion. On January 9, 2025, at about 11:00 hrs, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department acted on a report by two individuals from Ifelodun Local Government Area who received threatening calls and messages demanding a ransom of ₦5 million to avoid being kidnapped.
According to the statement, through intelligence-led operations, police detectives tracked and arrested Umar Sanni of Tarshan Girgi, Wushishi, Niger State. His apprehension led to the arrest of Dairu Isiaku of Iyana Share, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.
Both suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime, including providing phone numbers of numerous potential victims and issuing threats to extort money.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, psc, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents.
The suspects have been charged to court and remanded in prison custody.
