Oyo police arrested the suspect over an alleged ₦3 million kidnap and murder plot

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of being linked to the threatened kidnapping and murder of a 50-year-old resident of Salla Arts Village, Saki, and members of his family.

The suspect was arrested after the victim reported receiving a threatening telephone call from an unknown person who allegedly demanded IDR 3 million and threatened to kidnap his family members.

The development was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

Based on her statement, reporter Metu Jilani reported the incident to the police on September 19 2026 at around 18.20.

Jilani told police that he had received a threatening call on September 13.

“According to him, the callers claimed that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, while warning that any attempt to escape would result in the kidnapping of his younger brother,” the statement said.

The callers then allegedly demanded money from the victim as a condition to prevent threats of attack.

“To facilitate the payment, they gave him an account belonging to the Point-of-Sale operator, one Muhydeen Salihu of Gwasoro Village, through Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State, and directed him to pay the amount of ₦3 million into the account,” the statement said.

Instead of transferring the full amount, the complainant reportedly paid ₦100,000 into an account provided by the alleged caller.

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Police said the transaction later became an important clue in the investigation.

“The transactions then provided investigative leads, as attention focused on the people trying to access the money and their possible connection to the threat,” he said.

The investigation reportedly led police to the POS operator, where two men allegedly arrived on September 18 at around 10 a.m. to withdraw the money.

The men were identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both from Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State.

“While trying to collect funds, Abdullahi was arrested, while Liman fled the scene,” the statement said.

The command said the arrested suspect was then attacked by an angry mob before police officers intervened and took him away for medical treatment.

“After the arrest, the suspect was attacked by an angry mob before police officers intervened and took him to Hospital, where he received medical treatment,” the statement said.

The suspect remains in hospital, while police officers are searching for his alleged accomplices and investigating the broader circumstances surrounding the threat.

“He is currently on confession, while concerted efforts are underway to apprehend his absconding accomplice and know the full circumstances surrounding the threat, including the identity and role of other persons who may be connected to the case,” he added.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case.

According to the statement, the commissioner also directed continued efforts to identify and arrest all individuals known to be connected to the alleged offenses.

The command urges citizens to immediately report threats, suspicious activities and other information that can help security agencies in preventing crimes.

“Timely reporting remains critical to enable effective intervention and prevent criminal activity,” the statement concluded.