NSCDC Arrests 21-Year-Old Suspect Over Alleged Murder of 60-Year-Old Man in Ilorin

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 21-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old electrical technician in Ilorin, the state capital.

The suspect, identified as Soliu Mujeeb, was apprehended following an intensive investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Olarewaju Afolabi, who was reported missing after leaving his residence on June 7 to inspect an electrical installation project. According to the NSCDC, the victim failed to return home, prompting concern among family members and associates.

Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Abbas Nda-Muhammed, disclosed that the case was reported to the command’s Tracking Unit on June 11 after several unsuccessful attempts to contact the victim.

The commandant explained that shortly after Afolabi’s disappearance, members of his family began receiving ransom demands of ₦2 million through the victim’s mobile phone. The family reportedly managed to raise and transfer ₦120,000 while hoping for his safe release.

NSCDC operatives subsequently launched an intelligence-driven investigation involving digital tracking and financial analysis of transactions linked to the victim’s accounts. These efforts reportedly led investigators to the suspect.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect had previously worked with the deceased as an assistant in electrical installation services. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to committing the crime following a disagreement with the victim over missing materials and salary deductions.

Investigators allege that the suspect lured Afolabi to an uncompleted building in the Kangile area of Ilorin under the pretext of inspecting a new project. He is accused of attacking and killing the victim before taking possession of his mobile phone and SIM card, which were allegedly used to demand ransom from family members.

According to the NSCDC, the suspect later led operatives to the crime scene, where a shallow grave believed to contain the victim’s remains was discovered. The victim’s phone and SIM card were also reportedly recovered during the investigation.

The command said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries.

Commandant Nda-Muhammed reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid crime-fighting efforts.