The Kwara State Police Command has arrested and paraded 11 suspected criminals involved in various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted culpable homicide, and phone theft. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, during a press conference held at the command's headquarters in Ilorin on Thursday. According to Daily Post, the police commissioner revealed that the Kwara State Police Command has arrested approximately 60 suspected kidnappers, including kingpins, in the last six months.

Daily Post reported that Commissioner Olaiya also informed reporters that 28 suspected cultists had been arrested in the state capital in the last two weeks and are currently being held at the Oke-Kura Correctional Center in Ilorin. The 11 suspects paraded by the police were implicated in a range of criminal activities.

The police recovered several items from the suspects, including a pump-action gun, a pistol, a locally made gun, ammunition, charms, and an international passport.

Speaking about a kidnapping case, Commissioner Olaiya mentioned the arrest of Isah Umaru on 26 March 2024 in connection with the kidnapping of four victims: Atilola Sarafa, Mrs Afusat Lawal, and two children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu. As reported by Daily Post, Mr Sarafa was abducted from his residence in the Paasa Igbokedi area of Asa Local Government, while the other three victims were kidnapped on the Okoolowo Expressway in Shao on 16 October 2023. The police commissioner attributed the breakthrough in the case to diligent investigation and cooperation from the community.

“Through diligent investigation and cooperation from the community, the Kwara State Police Command made a breakthrough in the case.

“On the 26th of March, 2024, One Isah Umaru of Sokoto village was apprehended based on valuable intelligence.

“Mr. Umaru confessed to his involvement in the case of kidnapping which led to the arrest of Mr. Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center here in Ilorin.

“The victims were held captive together, and the perpetrators utilized Mr. Sarafa’s phone in demanding ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is the husband of Mrs Afusat Lawal,” he stated.

Speaking on a case of self-kidnapping involving two persons, the Police Commissioner said, “On March 17, 2024, a worrisome case of self-kidnapping was reported when Lekan Afolabi from Amayo town reported that his 24-year-old younger brother, Wasiu Afolabi, was missing, allegedly abducted.

“Following ransom demand amounting to N3 million, negotiations ensued, with the kidnappers agreeing to accept N500,000, with an initial installment of N200,000. However, investigations led by the Kwara Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad revealed a shocking truth.

“The purported victim, Wasiu Afolabi, was apprehended after it was discovered that he had orchestrated his own kidnapping to extort money for personal use. The police arrested Moshood Sulaiman, a POS operator from Oyun Area, Ilorin, who facilitated the financial transactions.

“Upon interrogation, Wasiu Afolabi confessed to the deceitful act. He will face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded.”

The police commissioner reaffirmed the state police command's commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency.

Commissioner Olaiya also expressed gratitude towards Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his support and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their guidance in tackling crime in Kwara State.

He also extended his thanks to sister security agencies, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and the Community Policing volunteers for their contributions to maintaining peace and harmony in the state.