OYO POLICE NAB SUSPECT OVER ALLEGED ₦3M KIDNAP THREAT

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man in connection with an alleged threat to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village in Saki and members of his family. The suspect, identified as Hantsi Abdullahi from Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, was arrested while allegedly attempting to withdraw money linked to the ransom demand. The case was reported to the police by the victim, Metu Jilani, on September 19, 2026.

Jilani reportedly told the police that he had received threatening telephone calls from unidentified persons on September 13. According to the police, the callers claimed they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, while warning that attempting to escape would result in the abduction of his younger brother. The callers subsequently demanded ₦3 million and instructed Jilani to sell two of his houses and transfer the proceeds into an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator identified as Muhydeen Salihu in Gwasoro Village, Kwara State.

Rather than transfer the full amount demanded, Jilani reportedly paid ₦100,000 into the designated account. The police said the transaction provided an investigative lead and enabled detectives to monitor individuals who might attempt to access the money. On September 18, two men, identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both from the same area in Kwara State, reportedly went to the POS operator to withdraw the money.

According to the police, Abdullahi was apprehended while attempting to collect the funds, while Liman escaped from the scene. The arrested suspect was subsequently attacked by an angry mob before police officers intervened and took him to a hospital for treatment. He remains on admission, while investigators are working to establish the identities and roles of other people who may have been involved in the alleged threat and ransom demand.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed a thorough investigation into the case and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend Liman and any other suspects connected to the alleged crime. The Command urged residents to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other information that could assist security operations. It also advised members of the public to seek police assistance rather than respond directly to threats or suspected criminal activities.