Suspected kidnapper arrested while withdrawing ransom in Kwara

Police in Kwara State, Nigeria, have apprehended a suspect allegedly involved in a kidnapping syndicate while he was attempting to collect ransom money. Muhamodu Sanni was arrested at a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal in the Obudu/Woru area of Ilorin East Local Government Area.

“

The sustained offensive of the Kwara State Police Command against kidnapping has recorded another significant breakthrough, as intelligence-led operations successfully penetrated the support structure of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Obudu/Woru axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area, culminating in the arrest of Muhamodu Sanni while allegedly attempting to cash out ransom proceeds linked to a recent abduction.

The arrest is a significant breakthrough in the police's sustained offensive against kidnapping in the state. It followed an intelligence-led operation that targeted the support structure of a syndicate operating in the region. The investigation was launched after three individuals were abducted from Obudu village on July 28.

According to police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, investigators expanded their inquiry to encompass the communication, logistics, and financial channels supporting the kidnapping operation. This strategy proved successful when intelligence regarding the ransom transaction was exploited, leading to Sanni's interception at the POS location.

“

This strategy yielded results when intelligence surrounding the ransom transaction was successfully exploited, leading operatives to Muhamodu Sanni, who was intercepted at a Point-of-Sale (POS) location while allegedly attempting to withdraw ransom proceeds connected with the abduction.

During interrogation, Sanni reportedly cooperated with investigators, providing crucial information about his role in collecting the ransom. He also identified two other suspected members of the syndicate, Aminu and Umar. This information has strengthened the police's understanding of the alleged criminal network and provided further leads for the ongoing investigation. The arrest comes amidst a period of heightened kidnapping activity in Kwara State, with several other incidents reported in recent months.

“

During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily cooperated with investigators and made useful disclosures concerning his role in the ransom collection process. He also provided information regarding other members of the syndicate, including two suspects identified as Aminu and Umar.