Employer’s murder in Kwara: NSCDC arrests a 21-year-old suspect accused of abducting, killing and demanding ransom for his employer
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Soliu Mujeeb, over the alleged abduction and murder of his employer, 60-year-old electrical contractor, Mr Olarewaju Afolabi, in Kwara State.
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The Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Abbas Nda-Muhammed, disclosed the arrest on Sunday while briefing journalists in Ilorin.
According to Nda-Muhammed, the case was reported to the command’s Tracking Unit on June 11 after Afolabi was declared missing by his family.
The commandant said the victim left his residence on June 7 to inspect an electrical wiring project but failed to return home.
He explained that concerns deepened when members of Afolabi’s family began receiving calls demanding a ransom of N2 million through the victim’s mobile phone.
According to the NSCDC, the family was only able to raise N120,000, which was paid in line with instructions given by the caller after assurances that the victim would be released.
Nda-Muhammed said investigators launched a detailed operation that included tracking financial transactions linked to funds paid into the victim’s Opay account.
The investigation allegedly led operatives to Mujeeb, who was identified as a co-worker of the deceased and worked with him as a joinman in electrical installation services.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that a disagreement had developed between him and Afolabi over missing work materials.
Nda-Muhammed said the suspect claimed he became resentful after the victim began deducting money from his salary to recover the cost of the missing items.
The commandant alleged that Mujeeb subsequently lured Afolabi to Anuoluwapo Community in Kangile, located in Ilorin East Local Government Area, under the pretext of inspecting a new electrical project.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly attacked and killed the contractor at an uncompleted building before taking possession of his mobile phone and SIM card.
Nda-Muhammed said the suspect then allegedly used the victim’s phone to contact family members and demand ransom.
In a significant breakthrough during the investigation, the suspect reportedly led security operatives to the scene of the crime.
The commandant said officers discovered a shallow grave containing Afolabi’s remains alongside the victim’s mobile phone and SIM card.
He noted that investigations were still ongoing and that the case would be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Nda-Muhammed added that the suspect would face additional investigation and prosecution based on the outcome of the preliminary findings.
The NSCDC chief reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies to combat criminal activities.
“Our commitment is to work tirelessly with other agencies to rid Kwara of criminals,” he said.
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He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in tackling crime and enhancing security across the state.
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