The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 21-year-old man, Soliu Olarewaju Mujeeb, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old electrical technician, Mr. Olarewaju Olusegun Afolabi, in Ilorin.
The State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin on Sunday.
According to the command, the arrest followed a thorough investigation into the disappearance of the victim, who was reported missing after leaving his residence on June 7, 2026, to inspect an electrical installation project.
A statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Ayoola Michael Shola, said concerns were raised when the technician failed to return home and could no longer be reached by his family.
The matter was later reported to the NSCDC Tracking Unit on June 11 after several attempts to locate him proved unsuccessful.
The command revealed that shortly after the victim went missing, his family began receiving calls demanding a ransom of N2 million through the victim’s mobile phone.
The family eventually raised and paid N120,000 following instructions given by the caller in a bid to secure his release.
Mohammed said intelligence-driven investigations, including digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions connected to the victim’s account, led operatives to the suspect.
During interrogation, Mujeeb reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting that he had previously worked with the deceased as an apprentice in electrical installation services. He also disclosed that a disagreement between them resulted in a grudge.
Investigators said the suspect lured the victim to an uncompleted building in the Kangile area of Kunlende, Ilorin, under the pretext of inspecting a new electrical project, where he allegedly attacked and killed him.
The suspect further confessed to taking possession of the victim’s mobile phone and SIM card, which he allegedly used to contact family members and demand ransom.
As part of the investigation, the suspect reportedly led NSCDC operatives to the crime scene, where a shallow grave believed to contain the victim’s remains was discovered. The victim’s mobile phone and SIM card were also recovered from him.
The command stated that investigations are still ongoing and that the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further action upon conclusion of preliminary findings.
Mohammed reassured residents of Kwara State of the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that the corps would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to combat crime across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid investigations and crime prevention.
