Ekiti State Police Command reports that it foils a planned kidnapping operation and arrests two suspects linked to cattle rustling. According to police statements, the arrests take place on 4 July in Ayede-Ekiti during an intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Ayede-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters, and local vigilantes. The suspects are intercepted along the Are-Afao Road/Ayede-Ekiti axis.
Police say the suspects had finalized plans to kidnap a resident of Ayede-Ekiti. The two men are reportedly attempting to sell two stolen cows to raise funds, which police allege would finance the kidnapping. Police Public Relations Officer SP Sunday Abutu identifies the suspects as Mumini Muhammed (23) and Kehinde Oseni (22).
Sources state that the suspects are arrested with the stolen cattle and that investigations indicate the duo confess and provide useful information. Police also say efforts continue to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional weapons believed to be in their possession. The recovered cattle are identified and returned to their owner, and the suspects are expected to be charged after investigations are completed.
