The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man allegedly linked to a threat to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.
The suspect was apprehended after the victim reported receiving threatening calls from unknown individuals who allegedly demanded ₦3 million and threatened to abduct members of his family.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the statement, the complainant, Metu Jilani, reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026, at about 6:20pm.
Jilani told the police that he had received the threatening calls 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 callers subsequently allegedly demanded money from the victim as a condition for preventing the threatened attack.
“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.
Rather than transfer the full amount, the complainant reportedly paid ₦100,000 into the account provided by the alleged callers.
The police said the transaction subsequently became an important lead in the investigation.
“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 investigation reportedly led police to the POS operator, where two men allegedly arrived on September 18 at about 10am to withdraw the money.
The men were identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both of Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“While attempting to collect the funds, Abdullahi was apprehended, whereas Liman escaped from the scene,” the statement said.
The command said the arrested suspect was subsequently attacked by an angry mob before police officers intervened and took him away for medical treatment.
“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.
The suspect remains hospitalised, while police operatives are searching for his alleged accomplice and investigating the wider circumstances surrounding the threats.
“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 in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case.
According to the statement, the commissioner also directed sustained efforts to identify and apprehend everyone found to have links with the alleged offence.
The command urged residents to promptly report threats, suspicious activities and other information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime.
“Timely reporting remains critical to enabling effective intervention and preventing criminal activities,” the statement concluded.
(Ripples)
