Over the past six months, the Kwara State police command has apprehended approximately 60 suspected kidnappers, including prominent figures involved in such criminal activities.
During a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin on Thursday, the State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, shared this information with journalists. Eleven suspects were displayed at the event, each accused of various criminal offenses.
Among the recent arrests, 28 individuals linked to cultism in the state capital have been detained at the Oke-Kura Correctional Center in Ilorin following their capture in the last two weeks.
The 11 suspects showcased during the parade were allegedly engaged in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted culpable homicide, and phone theft.
Law enforcement authorities recovered several items from the suspects, including a pump-action gun, a pistol, a locally crafted firearm, ammunition, charms, and an international passport.
In connection with one of the kidnapping incidents, Victor narrated the apprehension of Isah Umaru on March 26, 2024. Umaru was implicated in the abduction of four victims, namely Atilola Sarafa, Mrs. Afusat Lawal, Lawal Taofik, and Lawal Aliyu.
Sarafa was forcefully taken from Paasa Igbokedi area in the Asa Local Government region, while the other three individuals were kidnapped on Okoolowo Expressway in Shao on October 16, 2023.
Thanks to thorough investigations and community cooperation, authorities made significant progress in the case. Isah Umaru from Sokoto village was apprehended on March 26, 2024, based on crucial intelligence.
“Mr. Umaru admitted to his involvement in the kidnapping, leading to the arrest of Mr. Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center in Ilorin. The victims were held together, and the perpetrators utilized Mr. Sarafa’s phone to demand ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal, Mrs. Afusat Lawal’s husband,” Victor added.
Discussing another intriguing case involving self-kidnapping, the Police Commissioner highlighted an incident where Lekan Afolabi reported the alleged abduction of his 24-year-old brother, Wasiu Afolabi, on March 17, 2024.
Following a ransom demand of N3 million, negotiations resulted in an agreement for N500,000, with an initial payment of N200,000. However, investigations conducted by the Kwara Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad uncovered a surprising revelation.
It was revealed that Wasiu Afolabi orchestrated his own kidnapping to extort money for personal use. The police arrested Moshood Sulaiman, a POS operator from Oyun Area in Ilorin, for facilitating the financial transactions.
Upon interrogation, Wasiu Afolabi confessed to the deceptive act and will face legal consequences once the investigations are completed.
The police commissioner reiterated the state police command’s dedication to fighting crime and ensuring the safety of all residents, urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement authorities.
He acknowledged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s steadfast support and the invaluable guidance from Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the fight against crime in Kwara State.
Victor also expressed gratitude to sister security agencies, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, and Community Policing volunteers for their contribution to the peace and stability enjoyed in Kwara State.