The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect over an alleged threat to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old man and his family in Saki.
The threat targeted Metu Jilani, a resident of Seni Salla Village, and reportedly involved a demand for ₦3 million.
Police said they arrested the suspect after receiving a complaint and launching an intelligence-led investigation. The command disclosed the development in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Monday.
The case adds to security concerns involving threats and abductions, including the Oyo police rescue of 17 children and arrest of seven suspects.
Police Receive Report of Threatening Calls
According to the statement, Jilani reported the matter to the police on September 19, 2026, at about 6:20pm.
He told officers that unknown callers had contacted him on September 13. The callers allegedly claimed that someone had contracted them to kidnap and kill him and members of his family.
They also warned that any attempt to escape would lead to the abduction of his younger brother.
The police said the callers later demanded money and provided an account number for payment.
Cases involving alleged kidnapping threats have also featured in other security reports, including the Oyo school abduction case involving five Ansaru suspects.
Suspects Allegedly Demand ₦3 Million
Police said the callers directed Jilani to pay the ₦3 million into an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, Muhydeen Salihu.
The account holder reportedly lives in Gwasoro Village, via Kosubosu, in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
However, Jilani transferred ₦100,000 instead of the full amount demanded.
According to the command, the transaction gave investigators a lead. Officers focused on identifying the people who might attempt to withdraw the money and determining their possible links to the threats.
The investigation reflects the role of financial transactions in tracing suspects in alleged crimes. In another case, authorities reported that the NNPC disowned a tanker intercepted with 2,145kg of cannabis.
Police Arrest One Suspect as Accomplice Escapes
The command said two men went to the POS operator to collect the money on September 18, at about 10am.
Police identified them as Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, both reportedly from Boseperu, Kosubosu, in Baruten LGA of Kwara State.
Officers apprehended Abdullahi while he attempted to collect the funds. However, Liman allegedly escaped from the scene.
The police said they were continuing efforts to locate the fleeing suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the threats.
Other investigations into alleged criminal activity have included the South Africa handover of six Nigerians to the United States over alleged romance-scam fraud.
Angry Mob Attacks Suspect Before Police Intervention
Following Abdullahi’s arrest, an angry mob reportedly attacked him.
Police operatives intervened and took him to a hospital for medical treatment. The command said he remained on admission at the time of its statement.
Authorities are also working to apprehend his alleged accomplice and determine whether other people participated in the threats.
The police have not announced the outcome of the investigation or any charges against the arrested suspect.
The command has previously urged the public to report security concerns, including during operations such as the FCT police raid that led to approximately 300 arrests.
Oyo Police Commissioner Orders Thorough Investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed officers to conduct a thorough investigation.
He also ordered sustained efforts to apprehend everyone found to be connected with the alleged offence.
The command urged residents to report threats, suspicious movements and other useful security information promptly.
Police said timely reports could help officers intervene effectively and prevent criminal activities.
Residents can also follow related public safety reports, including the family’s demand for an IG investigation into an Anambra nursing student’s death.
Police Encourage Residents to Share Security Information
The command reiterated its appeal for public cooperation in tackling crime across the state.
It urged residents to provide credible information that could assist investigations and help prevent further threats.
The police said members of the public should not ignore suspicious activities or threatening communications. Instead, they should report such incidents to the appropriate authorities without delay.
The investigation into the alleged ₦3 million demand remains ongoing. Police said they would continue efforts to arrest the fleeing accomplice and establish the roles of anyone else connected with the case.
Security agencies have also addressed other public safety issues, including the Enugu lawmaker’s call for safer measures after a Coal Camp drowning
