Osun Police Nab Suspect Over Alleged N13m Kidnap Threat

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Babangida Muhammed, over alleged attempted kidnapping, sabotage and demanding with menace after he allegedly threatened to abduct a resident and members of his family unless N13 million was paid.

The suspect was arrested on September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Team H, following an intelligence-driven operation.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the complainant had reported receiving threatening telephone calls from an unknown caller who identified himself as Muhammed.

Ojelabi said the caller allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and his family members if the N13 million ransom demand was not met.

He said following the complaint, the VCRU Team H, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, commenced intelligence gathering and subsequently devised an operation to apprehend the suspect.

The police spokesman said a meeting point was agreed at the Telemu area along the Iwo-Ibadan Road, where the suspect allegedly instructed the complainant to bring the demanded money.

According to him, the complainant, acting under the guidance of the police operatives, arrived at the agreed location with the money at about 2pm on September 4.

“Shortly afterwards, the suspect allegedly arrived, picked up the box containing the money and attempted to flee into the bush,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the operatives, who had taken strategic positions at the location, immediately emerged and arrested the suspect before he could escape.

The police said the suspect remained in custody while investigation was ongoing to establish whether other persons were involved in the alleged offence.

Ojelabi said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and intelligence-led approach, assuring residents that the Command would continue to protect lives and property and combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the state.

The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, threats or other security concerns to the nearest police station.