Nasarawa State Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping plot in Obi Local Government Area, arresting four suspects accused of planning to abduct and kill their intended victim after collecting ransom. The suspects—Yahaya Musa, Likita Adamu, Riga Abdullahi, and Saidu Alhaji Gari—all hailing from Adudu District, were apprehended by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Lafia following credible intelligence. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to Nansel, the suspects targeted Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as Alhaji Na’iye, in the planned abduction. Intelligence reports led to the discovery of the plot before it could be executed. Two of the suspects were arrested on September 19, while the remaining two were captured on September 22 and 23. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the group intended to collect ransom from the victim before carrying out the murder.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia for further investigation. Authorities are working to gather more evidence and determine the full extent of the conspiracy. The police emphasized that such criminal activities will not be tolerated and urged the public to remain vigilant.
In another development, Nasarawa State Police Command also arrested two individuals linked to the suspected cult-related killing of a 26-year-old man in Lafia. The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on September 24, when a distress call was received about a young man found lying in a pool of blood behind the Eji-World area. The victim, identified as Venus, an indigene of Benue State, was rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, where he was pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers were searching for the victim’s friend, Joseph Friday Oluyemi, who resides on Maisoti Street in Lafia. Oluyemi reportedly told investigators he had received threats from suspected cult members prior to the incident. The police subsequently arrested Friday Joshua and ThankGod Auta Vincent in connection with the killing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to be involved.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy to aid the investigation. Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Muhammad, has directed investigators to conduct thorough inquiries into both cases and ensure all those found culpable face prosecution under the law. He also called on residents to report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in combating kidnapping, cult violence, and other crimes across the state. The police continue to reinforce security measures to protect lives and property.
Leave a Comment