Police arrest boy, 15, for kidnapping boss

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 15-year-old boy, Kabiru Ali, for allegedly planning and executing the kidnapping of his boss, Sani Rebo, with the aid of others who are at large.

Ali, a Fulani herdsmen helper, was said to have met other members of the kidnapping gang in a bush in Ilorin where the plot was hatched.

Muazu, whose father was the head of the Fulani in Ilorin, was said to have earlier taken part in the kidnapping of one Yaku, while N3m ransom was paid by the victim’s family to secure his release.The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, said Ali worked with Habibu Muazu, 18; Kiro Umaru, 20; and others who had yet to be apprehended to perpetrate the crime. He said Ali was promised N50,000 by his older colleagues but they ran away when the police waded in.

Muazu was said to have been given N120,000 to purchase a motorcycle from the proceeds, which the gang used to aid their criminal activities.

Like Ali, Muazu allegedly supplied information leading to Rebo’s kidnap but refused to play a direct role because the victim is his relation.

Oyebade said, “Rebo was kidnapped in a brazen manner while returning home to Ikoyi-Ile from Igbeti market. After a report was made to the command, the Special Anti-kidnapping Squad was mandated to ensure the release of the victim and arrest of suspects. The arrest of Umaru, 20, by local vigilance men led to the arrest of two other principal actors.

“Ali met the gang while tending to some cattle in Ilorin bush and he masterminded the crime with the help of others who are still at large.”

While denying direct participation in the crime, Ali said he was never given the money as agreed.

“They told me that I would get N50,000 but after collecting the money, they did not give me any money. My job is to help people tend to their cattle. This is the first time I am involved in kidnapping,” he said.