Police arrest 4 over threat of kidnap, ransom demand in Kebbi

By Faheem Lawal
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects for criminal conspiracy, intimidation through anonymous communication and alleged threat to kidnap a resident after demanding a ransom of N30 million.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bashir Usman, who confirmed the development disclosed that the four suspects were 21-year-old Muhammad Shafiu, 21-year-old Mansur Ibrahim, 25-year-old Aliyu Umar and 23-year-old Muhammad Suleiman.
He said they were arrested following a complaint by Alhaji Aminu Garba of Jega, who reported that they threatened to kidnap him if he failed to give them N30 million.
According to him, investigation revealed that the first, second and third suspects procured a new SIM card and repeatedly called the victim, with one of them disguising his voice to sound like a Fulani man in an attempt to instil fear and conceal his identity.
“The investigation further established that the fourth suspect, a family friend of the victim, supplied the victim’s phone number and details, which were used to facilitate the threats.
“Through swift intelligence-led investigation, operatives of the Command tracked and arrested the suspects at Gumbin Kure and Gamjeji villages in Maiyama Local Government Area, foiling the plot before it could be carried out.”
Usman added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar M. Hadejia, had directed that the case be thoroughly investigated and the suspects prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He explained that the CP reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that anyone involved in kidnapping, extortion or related crimes would face the full weight of the law.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious calls or activities to the nearest police station.