Kwara: Police Arrest Kidnapping Suspect At Point Of Ransom Collection
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate while allegedly attempting to withdraw ransom proceeds linked to the abduction of three persons in Obudu Village, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Muhamodu Sanni, was intercepted at a Point-of-Sale (POS) outlet following an intelligence-driven operation launched after armed kidnappers invaded Obudu Village on July 28, 2026.
According to the Command, investigators moved beyond the immediate scene of the attack and traced the communication, logistics and financial channels allegedly sustaining the kidnapping operation.
The police said the strategy paid off when intelligence gathered around the ransom transaction led operatives to Sanni, who was allegedly caught while attempting to cash out the proceeds connected to the recent abduction.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly cooperated with investigators and provided information on his alleged role in collecting ransom as well as details about other members of the syndicate.
The police identified two other suspects mentioned by Sanni as Aminu and Umar, adding that the information supplied had strengthened its understanding of the kidnapping network.
The Command said further operational leads arising from the investigation were being discreetly pursued.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, reassured residents that the police would continue to dismantle criminal networks and restrict their ability to operate across the state.
He urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding the prevention and detection of crime.
The development, according to the Command, forms part of its intelligence-led approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in Kwara State.
The police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Command remained committed to disrupting criminal networks and bringing those involved in kidnapping to justice.
