Four individuals are currently in police custody in Kwara State on allegations of criminal conspiracy, extortion, and issuing kidnap threats.

The suspects, identified as Tukur Muhammad, Yahaya Abdullahi, Umar Sanni, and Dairu Isiaku, were named in a statement released by the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Thursday.

“On January 15, 2025, at about 06:30 hrs, a resident of Ajuba Fulani Camp, Ilesha Baruba, discovered a white paper placed at the front door of his residence with two phone numbers written on it.

“Upon calling one of the numbers, the receiver threatened to kidnap him and his family unless a ransom of N20 million was paid. After negotiations, the demand was reduced to N4 million. The victim promptly reported the case to the police.

“Through intelligence-driven operations, operatives from the State Criminal Investigations Department (Anti-Kidnapping Squad) successfully tracked the identified phone numbers, leading to the arrest of two suspects. They are Tukur Muhammad And Yahaya Abdullahi.

“During thorough interrogations, the suspects admitted to strategically placing their contact details at the victim's residence to establish communication and coerce a ransom payment.

“Further investigations uncovered a pattern of criminal activity, indicating that the suspects had been utilizing multiple phone numbers to issue threats and extort unsuspecting individuals.

“The suspects have been charged to court and remanded in one of the states's correctional facilities,” the statement added.

In the case of Umar Sanni and Dairu Isiaku, they were also arrested in an alleged attempt to extort N5m from their victims through a kidnap plot.

However, operatives of state police command successfully foiled the kidnap plot and arrested the two suspects involved in the criminal act.

“On January 9, 2025, at about 1100hrs, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, of the command acted on a report by two individuals from Ifelodun Local Government Area who received threatening calls and messages demanding a ransom of N5,000,000 to avoid being kidnapped.

“Through intelligence-led operations, the police detectives tracked and arrested one Umar Sanni of Tarshan Girgi, Wushishi of Niger State, whose apprehension led to the arrest of one Dairu Isiaku of Iyana Share, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.

“Both suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime, including providing phone numbers of numerous potential victims and issuing threats to extort money,” the police said.

The suspects have been charged to court and remanded in prison custody.

The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, reaffirming the command's commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents.