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Kwara State police command has so far arrested about 60 suspected kidnappers, including kingpins in the last six months.
The State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, disclosed this while answering reporters’ questions at a press conference held at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin, on Thursday, where 11 suspects were paraded for various alleged criminal acts.
He also disclosed that 28 suspected cultists arrested in the last two weeks in the state capital were cooling their heels at the Oke-Kura Correctional Center, in Ilorin.
The 11 paraded suspects were allegedly involved in various criminal offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted culpable homicide and phone theft.
Items recovered from the suspects included a pump action gun, a pistol, a locally made gun, ammunition, charms and international passport.
Victor, speaking on one of the kidnap cases, said one Isah Umaru was arrested on March 26, 2024 for the alleged kidnap of four victims identified as Atilola Sarafa, Mrs Afusat Lawal, alongside two children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu.
He said while Sarafa was forcefully abducted from his residence at Paasa Igbokedi area of Asa Local Government area of the state, the three others were kidnapped on Okoolowo Expressway, Shao, on October 16, 2023.
“Through diligent investigation and cooperation from the community, the Kwara State Police Command made a breakthrough in the case.
“On the 26th of March, 2024, One Isah Umaru of Sokoto village was apprehended based on valuable intelligence.
“Mr. Umaru confessed to his involvement in the case of kidnapping which led to the arrest of Mr. Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center here in Ilorin.
“The victims were held captive together, and the perpetrators utilized Mr. Sarafa’s phone in demanding ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is the husband of Mrs Afusat Lawal,” he stated.
Speaking on a case of self-kidnapping involving two persons, the Police Commissioner said, “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, allegedly abducted.
“Following ransom demand amounting to N3 million, negotiations ensued, with the kidnappers agreeing to accept N500,000, with an initial installment of N200,000. 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 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.”
The police commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the state police command to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency.
He commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his unwavering support, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his invaluable guidance in combating crime in Kwara State.
Victor also thanked sister security agencies, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, Community Policing volunteers who had helped in boosting the peace and harmony Kwara State enjoyed.
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