POLICE FOIL KIDNAP PLOT, ARREST TWO SUSPECTS IN EKITI

The Ekiti State Police Command says it has foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Ayede Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said two suspects were arrested in connection with the plot while attempting to sell stolen cows, with the proceeds allegedly intended to finance the planned kidnapping.

Abutu said in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Saturday.

He stated, “The Ekiti State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping operation and arrested two suspected kidnappers and cattle rustlers following a credible intelligence-led operation.

“On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 1 p.m., operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, in collaboration with officers of the Ayede Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters and local vigilantes, arrested two persons, Mumini Muhammed, 23, and Kehinde Oseni, 22, in a forest along the Are–Afao Road/Ayede Ekiti axis.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were planning to kidnap a resident of Ayede Ekiti before their arrest. They were intercepted while attempting to sell two stolen cows for ₦1.5 million, with the proceeds allegedly intended to finance the planned kidnapping.

“During the investigation, the suspects confessed to the commission of the crime and made other useful confessional statements.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the firearms and other weapons in their possession. They will be charged in court immediately after the investigation is concluded,” Abutu stated.

The police spokesperson said the owner of the cows had been identified and had taken possession of the animals.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue to support the police by providing timely, credible and useful information to aid efforts to combat crime and criminality across the state.