The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect over an alleged threat to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.
The suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation after the victim, Metu Jilani, reported receiving threatening telephone calls from unknown persons.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the command, Jilani reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026, after receiving the calls on September 13.
The callers allegedly told him that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, warning that any attempt to flee would result in the abduction of his younger brother.
The suspects later demanded ₦3 million from the victim and instructed him to sell his two houses and transfer the proceeds to them.
Police said the callers provided the account of a Point-of-Sale operator, Muhydeen Salihu, of Gwasoro Village through Kosubosu in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Instead of transferring the demanded ₦3 million, Jilani reportedly deposited ₦100,000 into the account.
The transaction provided investigators with a lead, as police monitored attempts to withdraw the money.
On September 18, two men identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both of Boseperu, Kosubosu, reportedly went to the POS operator to collect the funds.
Abdullahi was arrested while attempting to withdraw the money, while Liman escaped.
The police said Abdullahi was subsequently attacked by an angry mob before officers intervened and took him to hospital.
He is currently receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplice and establish the identities and roles of other people who may be connected with the alleged offence.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed a thorough investigation and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend all persons found to be connected with the case.
The command also urged residents to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the police.
For emergencies, residents can contact the Oyo State call response centre on 615 or the police command control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
