Oyo Police Arrest Suspect Over Alleged Kidnap, Murder Threats, ₦3m Demand

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect allegedly linked to threats to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family. According to the police, the victim, identified as Metu Jilani, reported receiving threatening phone calls on September 13 and formally reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026. The callers allegedly claimed they had been contracted to abduct and kill him and his family. The suspects allegedly demanded ₦3 million, instructing Jilani to sell two of his houses and transfer the money into an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator in Kwara State. Rather than pay the full amount, Jilani reportedly transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account. Police said the transaction provided an investigative lead when two men later attempted to withdraw the money. Police identified the men as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both from Boseperu in Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. Abdullahi was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect the money, while Liman escaped from the scene. The arrested suspect was subsequently attacked by a mob before police officers intervened and took him to hospital, where he remains on admission. The police said investigations are continuing to locate the fleeing suspect and determine the identities and roles of other individuals who may have been involved. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered a thorough investigation and directed officers to intensify efforts to apprehend everyone connected with the alleged offence. Source: Sahara Reporters' original report