Osun police arrest suspect over alleged N13m kidnap threat
Osun State Police Arrest Suspect in Kidnapping Ransom Case
Osun State Police have arrested Babangida Muhammed on charges of attempted kidnapping and extortion, following a reported threat to demand a ₦13 million ransom.
The arrest occurred on September 4, 2026, during a coordinated operation executed by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Team H. This action was prompted by a complaint from a local resident who alleged he had received threatening phone calls from someone identifying himself as Muhammed.
According to a statement released Thursday by Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura, through Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the complainant reported that the caller threatened to abduct him and his family unless the ransom was paid.
In response to the complaint, VCRU Team H initiated intelligence-gathering efforts and planned an operation to apprehend the suspect, under the directive of Commissioner Zungura. Authorities established a meeting point in the Telemu area along the Iwo-Ibadan Road, where Muhammed directed the complainant to bring the demanded sum.
Police stated that on the designated date at approximately 2 p.m., the complainant arrived at the agreed location with the money, which was part of the police operation. Upon Muhammed’s arrival, he allegedly took a box containing the ransom money and attempted to flee into nearby bushes.
However, police operatives, positioned discreetly, arrested Muhammed before he could escape.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to determine whether additional individuals may be involved in the alleged offense. The police indicated that Muhammed would be charged in court following the completion of their investigation.
Commissioner Zungura praised the operatives for their professionalism and intelligence-led approach, urging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities or threats to local law enforcement.
