Osun
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, Babangida Muhammed, over an alleged attempt to kidnap a resident and members of his family after demanding a ransom of ₦13 million.
The suspect was arrested on September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, Team H, following a complaint from the victim.
According to a statement signed by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, for the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, the complainant had received threatening telephone calls from a man who identified himself as Muhammed.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and members of his family unless the ₦13 million ransom was paid.
Following the complaint, the VCRU Team H commenced intelligence gathering and planned an operation to apprehend the suspect.
The police said a meeting point was subsequently agreed at Telemu area along the Iwo/Ibadan Road, where the suspect directed the complainant to bring the demanded money.
On September 4, at about 2pm, the complainant went to the agreed location with the money as part of the police operation.
The suspect allegedly arrived shortly afterwards, picked up the box containing the money and attempted to escape into the bush.
However, police operatives who had taken covert positions at the location emerged and arrested him before he could escape.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigation continues to determine whether other persons were involved in the alleged offence.
The police said Muhammed would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
CP Zungura commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and intelligence-led approach to the operation.
He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and combating 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 or threats to the nearest police station.