The Kwara State Police have stopped a kidnapping and extortion plan in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area. They arrested two Togolese linked to this crime.
**Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police Public Relations Officer, shared this news in a statement on Thursday. A copy of the statement was obtained by PUNCH Metro in Ilorin.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the police acted after S. Ismaila reported receiving threats. Someone called him, demanding N22 million to stop his abduction.
The caller also threatened to kidnap Ismaila and kill his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if he did not pay the ransom.
“The operation followed a report from S. Ismaila of Okuta. He said he received several threatening calls from an unknown person demanding N22,000,000.00 to prevent his planned kidnapping.
“The caller further threatened to kidnap him and murder his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if he did not pay,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
She mentioned that police quickly launched an operation with help from the Intelligence Response Team. They used technical support to track those making the threats.
“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects named Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, both from Togo.
“After receiving the report, police operatives quickly activated their strategies. Together with the Intelligence Response Team and technical support, they tracked and arrested Yakubu Ismaila (M) and Hadiza Kosia (F), both Togolese nationals,” Ejire-Adeyemi noted.
The spokesperson also said early investigations showed the suspects were part of the criminal plot. Both confessed during questioning.
“Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were directly involved in the conspiracy. During interrogation, they admitted their roles in the kidnap and extortion plan,” she said.
She further revealed that police found the mobile phone used for the threatening calls. This phone is now a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
“A mobile phone used for the threats was recovered from one suspect and is now in police custody as an important exhibit,” Ejire-Adeyemi added.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, praised the officers for their quick response and professionalism. He said their teamwork stopped a potential serious security issue.
“I commend the professionalism, prompt response, and teamwork of the operatives. Their swift action prevented what could have resulted in a serious security breach,” he said.
The police chief also promised that the command would continue to focus on intelligence-led policing. He vowed to find and arrest everyone in the criminal group behind this plot.
“We have intensified our investigations to identify and catch other members of the criminal network, who will face justice,” he added.
The police are urging people in Kwara State to stay alert and support security agencies by sharing timely and credible information. They stressed that public cooperation is key to maintaining peace and security in the state.**
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