The Kwara State police command has successfully apprehended approximately 60 suspected kidnappers, including key figures, within the past six months, as revealed by the State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, during a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin.
During the conference, 11 suspects were paraded for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, attempted culpable homicide, and phone theft.
Furthermore, Commissioner Olaiya mentioned that 28 suspected cultists were also arrested in the state capital over the last two weeks and were currently being held at the Oke-Kura Correctional Center in Ilorin.
Among the items recovered from the suspects were a pump-action gun, a pistol, a locally made gun, ammunition, charms, and an international passport.
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One of the notable cases discussed by Victor was the arrest of Isah Umaru on March 26, 2024, for the alleged kidnapping of four victims, including Atilola Sarafa, Mrs. Afusat Lawal, Lawal Taofik, and Lawal Aliyu.
Sarafa was reportedly abducted from his residence in Paasa Igbokedi, while the other three victims were kidnapped on Okoolowo Expressway, Shao.
Through thorough investigation and community cooperation, the police were able to make significant progress in the case, leading to the arrest of Isah Umaru and another individual named Umaru Maanu, who is currently in custody at the correctional center in Ilorin.
The victims were held together, and the kidnappers used Mr. Sarafa’s phone to demand ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal, the husband of Mrs. Afusat Lawal.
Additionally, Commissioner Olaiya mentioned a case of self-kidnapping involving two individuals on March 17, 2024, which raised concerns.
