Police arrest man attempting to kill street hawker in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old suspected ritualist while attempting to slaughter a 10-year-old boy hawking pepper in Ilorin, the state capital.

The suspect, identified as Isiaka Adeniyi, was arrested on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Oke-Foma area in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect allegedly lured the young pepper hawker (names withheld) into a room under the pretext of patronising him.

Afterwards, the suspect reportedly covered the victim’s face with a cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife.

The suspect, Isiaka Adeniyi

The state police PRO said, “According to information received from the police at C Division, on the 2nd of July 2024 at about 1800 hrs, a report was received from Onidoko Police Post indicating that at about 1730 hrs, an incident occurred in the Abab Oke-Foma area of Ilorin.

“It was reported that a 10-year-old boy (names withheld) resident of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, was hawking pepper when he was lured into a room by a suspect identified as Isiaka Adeniyi, aged 46, from Ifedapo community, Oke-Foma area, Ilorin.

“The suspect allegedly lured the victim under the pretext of purchasing pepper, but instead covered the victim’s face with cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife.”

Toun stated that the suspect was apprehended and brought to the station owing to the “swift action of vigilant community members,” adding that “preliminary investigation is currently underway, while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough and discreet investigation.”

The statement noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, commended the proactive efforts of the community members in apprehending the suspect and ensuring that justice is served on the grievous matter.

“We urge the public to remain calm as we continue our investigation and assure them that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State,” the police assured.

Meanwhile, the command noted that it had deployed tactical teams to enhance security in the state effective from Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The command also “urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through our emergency contact lines: 0812 527 5046 or 0703 206 9456.”