The Kwara State Police Command has arrested one Isah Umaru over his alleged involvement in the kidnap of a woman and her two children at Okoolowo in Shao Local Council.

Apart from the woman, Afusatu Lawal and her children, the duo of Atilola Sarafa and Lawal Aliyu were also kidnapped in October 2023. Parading the suspect, Isah Umaru, alongside 10 other suspected criminals, yesterday, at the command, the Commissioner of Police (CP,) Victor Olaiya, said the incident happened in October last year at Paasa Igbokedu area, Asa Local Council, where Atilola Sarafa was forcefully abducted from his residence.

Additionally, Mrs. Afusat Lawal, along with two of her children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu, were kidnapped from Okoolowo Expressway, Shao, on October 16, 2023.

These incidents sent shockwaves through the community, instilling fear and concern among residents he said, adding that: through diligent investigative and cooperation from the community, the Kwara State Police Command made a breakthrough in the case.

According to him, the suspect, Isah Umaru of Sokoto village was arrested last month after valuable intelligence was availed the police. He said Umaru had confessed his involvement in the kidnapping, which led to the arrest of another Umaru Maanu, currently in custody at the Correctional Centre in Ilorin. He stated that the suspect was easily arrested because he used Sarafas phone to demand ransom from Afusatus husband, Ayansola Lawal.

Also paraded was Tahiru Muhammed who allegedly threatened to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf of Nawo village. The Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters received a report on March 24, 2024, regarding an attempted kidnapping incident involving individuals identified as Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila. The primary suspect, Tahiru Mohammed of Ayekale village, who allegedly threatened to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf of Nawo village.

There was a swift response, with security operatives collaborating with vigilantes and local hunters to apprehend the suspect.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to plotting the kidnapping without a clear motive, Olaiya said, adding: This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding our communities. The suspect will face the full wrath of the law as investigations progress.

The police chief also paraded 24-year-old Wasiu Afolabi for organizing and orchestrating self kidnap last month for N3million gain.

On March 17, 2024, a worrisome case of self-kidnapping was reported when Lekan Afolabi from Amayo Town reported that his 24-year-old younger brother, Wasiu Afolabi, was missing.

Following ransom demands amounting to ₦3 million, negotiations ensued, with the kidnappers agreeing to accept ₦500,000, with an initial installment of ₦200,000. However, investigations led by the Kwara Command. Anti-Kidnapping Squad revealed a shocking truth.

The purported victim, Wasiu Afolabi, was apprehended after it was discovered that he had orchestrated his own kidnapping to extort money for personal use. The police arrested Moshood Sulaiman, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator from Oyun Area, Ilorin, who facilitated the financial transactions.

Upon interrogation, Wasiu Afolabi confessed to the deceitful act. He will face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded. This incident highlights the diligence of Kwara State Police Command in uncovering criminal activities and bringing perpetrators to justice, he said.