Man arrested for making threatening calls, demanding N10m payment in Ondo

By Muftau Ogunyemi

A man based in Kutigi, Niger State identified as Muhammad Julli has been arrested operatives of Ondo police Command for making phone calling one Alhaji Umar Aliyu and threatening to kill him except he was paid N10 million ransom.

Spokesperson for Ondo Police Command DSP Olushola Ayanlade announced this in a statement on Saturday in Akure.

According to the statement, Umar Aliyu received several phone calls between 15th and 28th July 2025 from an unknown person using an unidentified mobile line.

He said the caller demanded the sum of N10 million and threatened to kidnap and kill him if he failed to comply.

Subsequently, Aliyu reported to the police and operatives traced the owner of the phone number to Kutigi, Niger State where he was arrested.

Ayanlade said, “The complainant, Alhaji Umar Aliyu, between 15th and 28th July 2025, received several threatening phone calls from an unknown person using an unidentified mobile line.

“Aliyu said the person demanded the sum of N10 million and threatened to kidnap and kill him if he failed to comply.

“Alarmed by the persistent threats, the matter was promptly reported to the Police.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping squad immediately swung into action.

“Through diligent intelligence and coordinated investigation, one suspect, Muhammad Julli ‘m’, was traced and arrested in Kutigi, Niger State,” he said.

Ayanlade explained that during interrogation, the suspect admitted that his phone and two SIM cards were used to perpetrate the offence by one Sani (surname unknown).

The command’s spokesperson also said that Sani was currently at large and believed to be residing in Kakafu village, Kwara State.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to track down the said accomplice and ensure that he is brought to justice.

“This case clearly underscores the unyielding commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place.

“Regardless of distance, location, or disguise, the long arm of the law will always reach those who engage in acts of crime and criminality,” he said.

He, therefore, urged members of the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue to cooperate with the police in the collective drive to maintain peace, safety and security across the state.

(NAN)