Police Parade 11 Suspects For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery In Kwara

Ilorin, Kwara State– The Kwara State Police Command, on Thursday, paraded 11  criminals, made up of suspected kidnapping gang members, and armed robbers for various criminal activities.

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, who paraded the suspects at the Command headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital, said that on the 16th of October, 2023, one Mrs Afusat Lawal, along with her two children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu, were kidnapped from Okoolowo Express Road in Shao.

The Police chief stated that on October 8, 2023, an unfortunate incident took place in the Paasa Igbokedu area of Asa Local Government, during which Mr Atilola Sarafa was forcefully abducted from his residence.

While parading the suspects, the Commissioner of Police stated that, through diligent investigation and cooperation from the community, the Kwara State Police Command made a breakthrough in the case.

The police said that on March 26, 2024, One Isah Umaru from 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 for ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal who is the husband to Mrs Afusat Lawal.

The Kwara State Police Command assures the public that thorough investigations are underway. Once completed, the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, ensuring justice is served and restoring confidence in communities.

Meanwhile, on the 24th of March, 2024, the Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters received a report regarding an attempted kidnapping incident involving individuals identified as Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila. The primary suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, allegedly threatened to abduct Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf of Nawo village.

CP Olaiya added that a swift response ensued, with security operatives collaborating with vigilantes and local hunters to apprehend the suspect, Tahiru Mohammed, of Ayekale village. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to plotting the kidnapping without a clear motive.

“This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding our communities. The suspect will face the full wrath of the law as investigations progress. We assure the public that justice will prevail, and such heinous acts will not be tolerated.

“I commend the proactive efforts of men of the Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters and community members involved in thwarting this crime. Together, we stand united against criminal elements seeking to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.

“On March 17th, 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 demands amounting to ₦3 million, negotiations ensued, with the kidnappers agreeing to accept ₦500,000, with an initial installment of ₦200,000. However, investigations led by the Kwara Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad revealed a shocking truth.

He said 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,” he said.

” On the 1st of April 2024, at about 2030Hrs, ASP Sunday Adamolekun from the Human Rights Section of the State CID, Ilorin, reported and brought to our attention a young man identified as Emmanuel Oluwafemi, residing in Alubarika Villa, Oke-Ose, Kwara State.

He said on the said evening, while the complainant and his friend, ASP Adepoju Taiwo, were returning home in a Toyota Corolla, they encountered the suspect driving recklessly near Gaa-Akanbi Roundabout, Ilorin.

The suspect identified as Emmanuel Oluwafemi, obstructed their path, verbally abused them, thereafter, brought out a pistol and fired five (5) shots at them.

Mr Olaiya said despite the danger, the complainant and his friend managed to disarm the suspect and handed him over to the Police at State CID, Ilorin.

According to him, the swift response and bravery displayed by the complainant and his companion, ASP Adepoju Taiwo, in disarming the suspect and ensuring his apprehension, deserve our utmost commendation. Their actions exemplify the dedication and courage of law enforcement officers and citizens alike in the face of adversity.

“Upon searching the suspect, the following items were recovered: A pistol, 55 live ammunition of 9mm calibre, An international passport belonging to the suspect, and A licensed pump-action gun and Criminal charms.

He said an investigation into this matter is ongoing, and appropriate legal action will be taken against the suspect in accordance with the law.

Also, another armed robbery case occurred on the 5th of March, 2024, where one Mr Jimoh Taiye Jethro, a resident of Amayo area in Ilorin, reported to the Area Commander Metro Ilorin through a petition that on the 16th of February, 2024.

Mr Jethro was returning from a business trip on his Bajaj motorcycle with registration number EDE 340QB between the Kogi/Kwara boundary, he was ambushed and robbed at gunpoint by unknown assailants.

According to the victims, the perpetrators made away with his motorcycle, two mobile phones, a bag containing his UBA and First Bank ATM cards, and a sum of ₦150,000, amounting to a total value of ₦1,000,000.

“Following diligent investigation, one of the stolen phones was tracked and recovered from Mr. Jibril Sani of Babanla, which subsequently led to the apprehension of Abdullahi Sani, Mohammed Suleiman, and Abubakar Shede, all residents of Babanla. Additionally, the stolen motorcycle was successfully recovered.

“I commend the swift and thorough efforts of our law enforcement officers, who worked tirelessly to bring these suspects to justice and recover the stolen property. This operation underscores our commitment to combatting crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara State.

“We assure the public that our efforts to apprehend all those involved in criminal activities remain steadfast, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in our communities.

” On 7/4/2024, at about 1530hrs, Mr. Momonu Ayuba of Sosoki Village, Alapa, Kwara State, along with two of his brothers, were accosted by two armed individuals while relaxing under a tree.

The perpetrators, armed with a locally made pistol, demanded money from the victims. However, upon refusal, the brave actions of Mr. Ayuba and his brother led to the apprehension of one of the armed robbers, identified as Olafimiye Bashir Abdulazees of Onile-Aro Compound, Oloje, Ilorin.

“It is worth noting that the recovered firearm was found to be loaded with a live cartridge, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Efforts are on to apprehend the accomplice, one Fatai, who is currently at large,

He continued, “On April 13, 2024, at about 0600hrs, our detectives successfully tracked and arrested one Shola Adigun Samuel of Moniya Area, Akinyele L.G.A, Oyo State. This arrest was made possible through the diligent tracking of a Samsung Galaxy A71 handset reported stolen on February 16, 2024, in GRA Ilorin, property of Mr. Chima Onyeagu of Olorunshogo Street, GRA Ilorin.

Mr Olaiya said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to his modus operandi, specializing in breaking into residence at night while occupants are sleep, searching for handsets and other valuable items.

The suspect divulged that Soji Akinola, residing in Abuja, was the recipient of these stolen phones.

Subsequently, seven assorted phones, including the Samsung Galaxy A71, were recovered from the suspect.

All recovered handsets have been identified by their respective owners. Notably, the suspect conducted a raid on Meduku Street, Sango Area, Ilorin, on April 11, 2024, where he stole six assorted handsets.

Shola Adigun Samuel confessed to being a lone operator from Ibadan. Efforts are currently underway to track down the receiver in Abuja. Further developments will be communicated in due course.

CP Olaiya reaffirms his commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

The Commissioner of Police, however, urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement agency.