The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, Babangida Muhammed, in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping, sabotage and demanding money with threats.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspect was arrested on September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU Team H, following an intelligence-led operation.
Ojelabi said the complainant had reported receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown caller who identified himself as Babangida Muhammed. The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and members of his family unless he paid ₦13,000,000.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the VCRU team H, acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, commenced intelligence gathering and strategically planned an operation to apprehend the suspect,” the statement said.
As part of the operation, a meeting point was agreed at Telemu area along the Iwo-Ibadan Road in Osun State, where the suspect directed the complainant to bring the money.
At about 2:00pm on September 4, the complainant, acting in line with the police plan, arrived at the location with the money. The statement said the suspect allegedly arrived shortly after, picked up the box containing the money and attempted to flee into the bush.
“Police operatives immediately emerged from their covert positions and arrested him before he could escape,” Ojelabi stated.
The suspect is currently in police custody while investigation continues to determine the involvement of other persons. He will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.
CP Zungura commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and intelligence-led approach to the operation.
The Commissioner assured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and to combating kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or threats to the nearest police station.