The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 21-year-old man, Soliu Olarewaju Mujeeb, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old electrical technician, Mr. Olarewaju Olusegun Afolabi, in Ilorin.
The State Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Ilorin on Sunday, following the conclusion of an intensive investigation into the victim’s disappearance.
According to the Commandant, Afolabi left his residence on June 7, 2026, to inspect an electrical installation project but failed to return home, prompting concern among family members. After repeated attempts to reach him proved unsuccessful, the matter was reported to the NSCDC Tracking Unit on June 11.
Investigations revealed that shortly after the victim’s disappearance, members of his family began receiving ransom demands of N2 million from his mobile phone. The family was later instructed to pay N120,000, which they reportedly complied with.
Mohammed said sustained intelligence-driven investigations, including digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions linked to the victim’s account, led operatives to the suspect, who was subsequently arrested.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and admitted that he previously worked with the deceased as an assistant in electrical installation services. He reportedly told investigators that a disagreement between them had resulted in a personal grudge.
The suspect further confessed to luring the victim to an uncompleted building in the Kangile area of Kunlende, Ilorin, under the pretext of inspecting a new electrical project. He allegedly attacked and killed the victim at the location before taking possession of his mobile phone and SIM card, which were later used to demand ransom from the victim’s family.
As part of the investigation, the suspect reportedly led NSCDC operatives to the crime scene, where a shallow grave believed to contain the victim’s remains was discovered. The victim’s mobile phone and SIM card were also recovered from the suspect.
The Command said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action upon completion of preliminary inquiries.
Mohammed reassured residents of Kwara State of the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that the Corps would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to combat criminal activities across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security.
