Nasarawa Police arrest six over alleged kidnap plot, cult-linked killing
Nasarawa State Police Disrupt Alleged Kidnapping Plot, Four Arrested
The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced the disruption of an alleged kidnapping scheme in Obi Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. They are accused of planning to abduct and kill their intended victim after collecting a ransom.
The suspects, identified as Yahaya Musa, Likita Adamu, Riga Abdullahi, and Saidu Alhaji Gari, all hail from Adudu District. Their arrests were made by operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Lafia, following credible intelligence received by the police.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel provided details in a statement released Wednesday. According to Nansel, the suspects targeted Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as Alhaji Na’iye, as part of their scheme.
The plot was discovered before any crimes could be committed, thanks to an intelligence report. Two suspects were apprehended on September 19, while the remaining suspects were arrested on September 22 and 23, respectively. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects intended to collect ransom from Abdullahi before murdering him.
The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia, where investigations are ongoing.
In a separate incident, the police have arrested two individuals in connection with the cult-related killing of a 26-year-old man in Lafia. The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on September 24, after the Divisional Police Officer of Ombi 1 Division received a report about a man found lying in a pool of blood in the Eji-World area.
Upon arrival, police operatives discovered the victim, identified as Venus, a resident of Benue State. He was immediately transported to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he was pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants may have been searching for the victim’s friend, Joseph Friday Oluyemi, also of Lafia. Oluyemi had reportedly received prior threats from individuals believed to be associated with a cult group.
In connection with the murder, the police have arrested Friday Joshua and ThankGod Auta Vincent, with efforts continuing to capture other suspects involved.
The body of the deceased has been placed in the hospital’s mortuary pending an autopsy to aid in the investigation.
Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Muhammad has instructed investigators to conduct thorough probes into both cases and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in preventing kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other criminal acts in the state.
