A suspected kidnapper has confessed to abducting an unspecified number of children from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, for ritualistic purposes.

The suspect, believed to be in his 20s, made the admission after being apprehended by police in Ilorin on Friday, 16 May 2025. Reports indicate he was saved from being lynched by an angry mob by a police team on routine patrol.

A widely shared video online shows the suspect, visibly bruised, admitting he cannot recall how many children his gang has abducted. The footage has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the alarming prevalence of ritual-related kidnappings in the region.

The visibly battered suspect reeled out the names of other members of the gang and also disclosed to the mob that their team leader resides in Dagbolu, a suburb of Osogbo, Osun State capital.

He further stated that the team leader gave him N10 million to carry out the kidnapping act for which he was caught.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Ilorin, said the suspect has been taken into custody and is undergoing interrogation.

However, the Police spokesperson warned Kwara State residents against mob action and jungle justice, stressing that "such acts are not only unlawful but can also result in the miscarriage of justice.

"Members of the public are strongly advised to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station rather than resort to self-help or violence.

"The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a video circulating the media space of a young man, who was accused and apprehended for child kidnapping in Ilorin.

"The Command wishes to inform members of the public that on Friday, 16th May, 2025, at about 7 p.m., operatives of the Kwara State Police Command apprehended an adult male (name unknown) for alleged child kidnapping in Ilorin.

"The suspect, who claimed he was from Osun State, was apprehended by a joint patrol team of police operatives and community vigilante members during a routine operation.

"He was rescued from a violent mob who had accused him of attempted kidnapping of a child, and were on the verge of executing jungle justice.

"The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations and identify other individuals who may be connected to this incident.

"The complainant(s) involved are yet to report to command headquarters to provide more information to aid police detectives in unravelling this incident.

"Further updates will be provided as investigations unfold," the statement said.