21-year-old nabbed over employer’s abduction, death 

 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Soliu Mujeeb, over the alleged abduction and murder of his employer, 60-year-old Mr Olarewaju Afolabi.

The Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Abbas Nda-Muhammed, disclosed this to journalists on Sunday in Ilorin.

He said the case was reported to the command’s Tracking Unit on June 11 after Afolabi was declared missing.

Nda-Muhammed explained that the victim had left his residence on June 7 to inspect an electrical wiring site.

“He did not return home after leaving for the assignment,” the commandant said.

He added that the victim’s family later received a ransom demand of N2 million through Afolabi’s phone.

“The family was only able to raise N120,000, which was paid as directed by the caller.

“The caller promised to release the victim after receiving the money,” he added.

The commandant said operatives traced the suspect through investigations and financial analysis of funds paid into the victim’s Opay account.

According to him, interrogation revealed that Mujeeb worked with Afolabi as a “joinman” in electrical installation services.

“The suspect confessed that there was a disagreement between him and the victim over missing materials.

“He said the victim forced him to pay for them in instalments,” Nda-Muhammed stated.

He added that the suspect became angry after deductions began from his salary.

“The suspect said it annoyed him when the victim started deducting money from his salary,” the commandant said.

Nda-Muhammed said the suspect allegedly lured Afolabi to Anuoluwapo Community in Kangile, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

He said the victim was taken there under the guise of inspecting a new electrical project.

The commandant alleged that the suspect attacked and killed Afolabi at the uncompleted building.

He said the suspect took the victim’s phone and SIM card before demanding ransom from the family.

“The suspect used the victim’s phone to demand money from the family,” he added.

Nda-Muhammed said the suspect later led operatives to the scene of the incident.

According to him, a shallow grave containing Afolabi’s remains, mobile phone and SIM card was discovered at the location.

The commandant said investigations were ongoing and that the case would be transferred to the appropriate authorities.

He explained that the suspect would face further investigation and prosecution after preliminary findings.

Nda-Muhammed assured residents that the NSCDC remained committed to protecting lives and property.

“Our commitment is to work tirelessly with other agencies to rid Kwara of criminals,” he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.

Nda-Muhammed said public cooperation remained essential in tackling criminal activities across the state. (NAN)