The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect over an alleged plot to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.
Police said the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation launched after the victim, Metu Jilani, reported threatening telephone calls from unknown persons.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Jilani reported the matter at about 6:20pm on September 19, 2026.
He told police that the calls were received on September 13, with the callers allegedly claiming they had been contracted to abduct and kill him and his family.
The callers also warned that any attempt to flee would lead to the abduction of Jilani’s younger brother, according to the police.
After issuing the threats, the suspects allegedly demanded ₦3 million from the victim and provided the account of a Point-of-Sale operator, Muhydeen Salihu, of Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, for the payment.
Rather than pay the full amount, Jilani transferred ₦100,000 into the designated account.
Police said the transaction became a major breakthrough in the investigation as detectives monitored those who would attempt to withdraw the money.
On September 18, at about 10am, two men identified as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both of Boseperu, Kosubosu, Baruten LGA, Kwara State, allegedly went to the POS operator to collect the money.
Abdullahi was apprehended while attempting to access the funds, while Liman reportedly escaped from the scene.
The police said an angry mob subsequently attacked the arrested suspect before officers intervened and took him to hospital for medical treatment.
Abdullahi remains on admission, while police operatives are working to arrest his alleged accomplice and establish the full circumstances surrounding the threat.
The Command said investigators were also working to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged plot and determine their respective roles.
Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has ordered a thorough investigation and directed sustained efforts to apprehend everyone found to be connected with the alleged offence.
The police also urged residents to report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information promptly.
The Command stressed that timely reporting was crucial to enabling police intervention and preventing criminal activities.
