The Oyo State Police Command said it has arrested three teenage girls in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of the state over a kidnap threat that caused panic.
According to a statement issued in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects are Fathia Nurudeen (17), Taiwo Fatai (17), and Munirat Saliu (16). They were apprehended on Friday after a resident, Islamiat Omowumi, reported receiving a threatening phone call from an unknown caller.
The caller was alleged to have threatened to kidnap the victim and demanded human parts, claiming she was being targeted because she is a meat seller. He also reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦10 million and warned of severe consequences if the demand was not met.
Ayanlade said the complaint was received on Friday, January 9, 2026, prompting an immediate response from detectives of the command, who deployed intelligence-led investigative measures that swiftly led to the arrest of the suspects.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to making the call, claiming it was intended as a prank. A small Itel mobile phone allegedly used to perpetrate the act was recovered from them, further strengthening the investigation.
The police spokesperson said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to fully unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.
He warned members of the public, especially youths, against engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic, or threats to life, stressing that such behaviour constitutes serious criminal offences with attendant legal consequences.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.