Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Kidnap, Killing of Kwara Cattle Owner
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of a 29-year-old cattle owner, Sulaiman Rilwan, whose body was recovered from an abandoned well in Offa, Kwara State.
The arrest brought an end to days of uncertainty after the victim went missing on July 26. His disappearance was reported to the police two days later, leading detectives to begin an intelligence-led investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, disclosed on Friday in Ilorin that investigators worked to trace Rilwan’s last known movements and determine what happened before his disappearance.
According to him, the investigation revealed that Mohammed Jamiu, who had a business relationship with the deceased involving the management of his cattle, was the last person known to have had contact with him before he went missing.
The police said Jamiu was subsequently arrested for questioning and allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. He was said to have led detectives to an abandoned well in a bush area of Offa, where Rilwan’s body was found.
Adekimi said further investigation uncovered a wider criminal conspiracy involving several accomplices, leading to the arrest of five additional suspects.
Those arrested include Fashola Abdulfatai, 19; Daniel Gideon, 24; Adegoke Oladimeji, 25; Aliyu Yusuf, 26; and Abubakar Ahmed, 55.
The suspects are being investigated for offences including criminal conspiracy, aiding and abetting kidnapping, kidnapping and culpable homicide.
The police commissioner said another suspect linked to the crime is still on the run, while efforts are ongoing to arrest him and recover the firearm allegedly used during the operation.
“The confession generated actionable investigative leads, resulting in the arrest of five additional suspects believed to have played various roles in the planning and execution of the crime,” Adekimi said.
He urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities, assuring the public that all information would be handled professionally and confidentially.
Adekimi also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that all persons connected to the alleged killing are brought to justice.
