Police Arrest Trusted Neighbour Who Masterminded Kidnap of Man, Wife, and Brother in Kwara

Fresh details have emerged on how a trusted neighbour played a key role in the abduction of Alhaji Moshood Owoyale, his wife, and brother, Alhaja Abdulkareem, from their home in Agbamu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The police had earlier confirmed the kidnapping in a statement issued last week by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. The victims were taken by force when gunmen stormed their residence in Owoyale Agbamu, Ajase Ward II.

Following intense negotiations, the three were released over the weekend after their family paid a ransom of N5 million. It was revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million, but the amount was reduced after negotiations. An audio recording obtained by Daily Trust confirmed that the abductors rejected an earlier offer of N10 million before settling for the N5 million, which was delivered at Olla, Isin Local Government Area.

However, the case took a dramatic turn when a community resident confessed that his conscience was troubling him. A relative of the victims disclosed that after spending five days in captivity, a whistleblower revealed that a security guard known as ‘Santana,’ who lived opposite the victims’ home, had masterminded the abduction. According to the source, Santana had first approached the whistleblower to join in the crime, but after being turned down, he went ahead to execute the plan with others.

Despite his apparent concern for the victims’ plight, including providing water for their ablution the day after the kidnapping, Santana later admitted to his role in the crime after being arrested.

During a visit to the Kwara State Police Command, Santana and the whistleblower were seen being interrogated at the anti-kidnapping unit. Police spokesperson Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the arrest and assured that the command would ensure all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.