Police arrest suspect over ₦3m kidnap-and-kill threat in Oyo

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.

The Command said the arrest followed a report received by the police and a subsequent intelligence-led intervention.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and issued on Monday.

According to the statement, the case was brought to the attention of the police on September 19, 2026, at about 6:20pm when the complainant, Metu Jilani, reported that he had received threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13.

“According to him, 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 statement said.

The police said that after establishing the nature of the threat, the callers proceeded to make a financial demand.

“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,” the statement said.

According to the Command, the complainant transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account instead of the full amount demanded.

“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,” it said.

The police said that 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 statement said.

The Command said that following the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened.

“Following the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before Police operatives intervened and took him to the Hospital, for medical attention,” the statement said.

“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,” it added.

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, according to the statement.

The Command further 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 statement concluded.