The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspect linked to a threat to kidnap and kill a 50-year-old resident of Seni Salla Village, Saki, and members of his family.

The command said the arrest followed a report by the victim and an intelligence-led investigation into the threats.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim, Metu Jilani, reported the matter on September 19 after receiving threatening telephone calls from unknown persons on September 13.

The callers allegedly told Jilani that they had been contracted to kidnap and kill him and his family, warning that any attempt to flee would lead to the abduction of his younger brother.

The suspects subsequently demanded ₦3 million from the victim and directed him to pay the money into an account belonging to a Point-of-Sale operator, Muhydeen Salihu, in Gwasoro Village, Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Police said Jilani transferred ₦100,000 into the account instead of the full amount demanded, allowing investigators to monitor those attempting to withdraw the money.

On September 18, two men, Hantsi Abdullahi and Hantsi Liman, reportedly went to the POS operator to collect the money.

The police said Abdullahi was arrested while attempting to withdraw the funds, while Liman escaped from the scene.

Following his arrest, Abdullahi was reportedly attacked by an angry mob before police operatives intervened and took him to hospital, where he remained on admission.

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest Liman and establish the identities and roles of other persons who may have been involved in the alleged threat.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed a thorough investigation and ordered sustained efforts to apprehend all suspects connected with the case.

The command urged residents to promptly report threats, suspicious movements and other actionable information to the police, stressing that timely reporting was important in preventing criminal activities.