The Oyo State Police Command has saved a suspect from being lynched by an angry mob and arrested him in connection with threats to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, September 21, saying the suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation.
According to him, the victim, Metu Jilani, reported the matter at the police station after receiving threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13.
The callers allegedly told Jilani that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, warning that any attempt to flee would lead to the abduction of his younger brother.
The police image maker said the suspects subsequently demanded that the victim sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them or risk being kidnapped.
He said the suspects provided an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, identified as Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and directed the victim to pay ₦3 million into the account.
Instead of transferring the full amount, the victim reportedly paid ₦100,000 into the account, which provided investigators with a lead on those attempting to access the money.
The PPRO said that on September 18, two men, Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both of Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten LGA, Kwara State, went to the POS operator to withdraw the money.
While Abdullahi was apprehended, Liman reportedly escaped from the scene.
Ayanlade said the arrested suspect was subsequently attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened and rushed him to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and establish the identities and roles of other persons connected with the alleged kidnap-and-kill threat.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, had ordered a thorough investigation and directed sustained efforts to apprehend everyone found to be connected with the offence.
The Command also urged members of the public to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the Police.
