The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Soliu Mujeeb, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old electrician, Mr Olarewaju Afolabi, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Mohammed, made this known on Sunday, while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ilorin on the outcome of an intensive investigation into the victim’s disappearance.

The victim was reported to have left his residence on June 7, 2026, to inspect an electrical installation project but failed to return home, raising concern among family members.

Mohammed said, “The matter was subsequently reported to the NSCDC Tracking Unit on June 11, 2026, after efforts to reach him proved unsuccessful.”

Shortly after the victim’s disappearance, his family reportedly began receiving ransom demands of ₦2 million from his mobile phone. The family later raised and paid ₦120,000 based on instructions from the caller.

Following sustained intelligence-led investigations, including digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions linked to the victim’s account, operatives successfully traced and arrested the suspect.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted knowing the deceased, with whom he had previously worked with as an assistant in electrical installation services.

He further disclosed that a disagreement between them led to a personal grievance,” Mohammed said.

He added, “The suspect reportedly lured the victim to an uncompleted building located in the Kangile, Kulende area of Ilorin under the guise of inspecting a new electrical project.

“He further confessed to attacking and killing the victim at the scene and subsequently dispossessing him of his mobile phone and SIM card, which were later used to contact the victim’s family for ransom.”

In the course of the investigation, the suspect led operatives to the scene of the crime, where a shallow grave suspected to contain the victim’s remains was discovered. The victim’s mobile phone and SIM card were also recovered from his possession.

The command disclosed that investigations are ongoing, after which the suspect will be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action.

Abbas assured residents of Kwara State that the NSCDC remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work closely with other security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The PUNCH)

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