The Ekiti State Police Command has thwarted a suspected kidnapping plot in Ayede Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, arresting two men believed to have been preparing for the operation.
The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Mumini Muhammed and 22-year-old Kehinde Oseni, were apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, officers from the Ayede Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters, and local vigilantes.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the suspects were intercepted on Saturday in a forest along the Are–Afao Road/Ayede Ekiti axis while allegedly attempting to sell two stolen cows.
Abutu said preliminary investigations indicated that the proceeds from the sale, estimated at ₦1.5 million, were intended to finance the planned abduction of a resident of Ayede Ekiti.
“On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 1 p.m., operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, in collaboration with officers of the Ayede Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters and local vigilantes, arrested two persons, Mumini Muhammed, 23, and Kehinde Oseni, 22, in a forest along the Are–Afao Road/Ayede Ekiti axis,” Abutu stated.
He added that investigations revealed the suspects had allegedly concluded plans to kidnap a resident before they were arrested.
“They were intercepted while attempting to sell two stolen cows for ₦1.5 million, with the proceeds allegedly intended to finance the planned kidnapping,” he said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspects confessed during interrogation and provided investigators with information expected to assist ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the firearms and other weapons in their possession. They will be charged in court immediately after the investigation is concluded,” Abutu added.
The police also confirmed that the owner of the stolen cattle has been identified and has recovered the animals.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Joseph Eribo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid the fight against criminal activities.
