Eleven criminals, including armed robbers and suspected members of kidnapping gangs, were paraded by the Kwara State Police Command on Thursday for a variety of criminal offences.
The suspects were paraded at the Command headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital, by the state’s commissioner of police, Victor Olaiya. He stated that on October 16, 2023, a woman named Afusat Lawal and her two children, Lawal Taofik and Lawal Aliyu, were abducted from Okoolowo Express Road in Shao.
The regrettable occurrence that occurred on October 8, 2023, in the Paasa Igbokedu area of Asa Local Government involved the forcible abduction of Mr. Atilola Sarafa from his residence, according to the Police Commissioner.
The Commissioner of Police announced during the suspects’ parading that the Kwara State Police Command had achieved progress in the case thanks to careful investigation and community support.
One Isah Umaru from Sokoto village was apprehended on March 26, 2024, per the police, based on valuable intelligence.
Mr Umaru confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping case, which led to the arrest of Mr Umaru Maanu, who is currently being held at the correctional centre here in Ilorin.
The victims were held together, and the perpetrators used Mr. Sarafa’s phone to demand a ransom from Hon. Ayansola Lawal, the spouse of Mrs. Afusat Lawal.
The Kwara State Police Command reassures the public that comprehensive investigations are in progress. Following completion, the suspect will face legal prosecution, guaranteeing justice is done and regaining community trust.
On March 24, 2024, Salaudeen Yusuf and Abubakar Gidan Samaila were the subjects of a report that was sent to the Oke-Ode Divisional Police Headquarters concerning an attempted kidnapping. Tahiru Mohammed, the main suspect, is said to have threatened to kidnap Alhaji Salaudeen Yusuf from Nawo village.
The culprit, Tahiru Mohammed of Ayekale village, was quickly apprehended by security personnel working with vigilantes and local hunters, according to CP Olaiya. The suspect admitted to planning the kidnapping without having a specific motivation when questioned.
“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 instalment 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 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 by the law.
Also, another armed robbery case occurred on the 5th of March, 2024, where one Mr Jimoh Taiye Jethro, a resident of the 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 when 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 our law enforcement officers’ swift and thorough efforts, 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 sleeping, 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.
To maintain everyone’s safety and security, CP Olaiya reiterates his commitment to fighting crime.
Nonetheless, the public is urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the closest law enforcement organisation by the Commissioner of Police.
