The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 21-year-old man, Soliu Olarewaju Mujeeb, over the alleged abduction and killing of a veteran electrical technician, Mr. Olarewaju Olusegun Afolabi, in Ilorin.
The suspect was paraded by the State Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, during a media briefing held at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin on Sunday.
According to the command, the arrest followed a detailed investigation into the disappearance of the 60-year-old technician, who was reported missing after leaving his home on June 7, 2026.
A statement issued by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael Shola, said Afolabi had informed relatives that he was heading out to inspect an electrical installation project. When he failed to return and all attempts to contact him proved unsuccessful, concerns grew among family members.
The case was eventually reported to the NSCDC Tracking Unit on June 11, prompting security operatives to begin a full-scale investigation.
Investigators revealed that shortly after the technician went missing, members of his family started receiving calls demanding a ransom of N2 million. The callers allegedly used the victim’s phone number to communicate with relatives.
The family reportedly managed to raise and transfer N120,000 after receiving instructions from the suspect.
Through intelligence gathering, digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions linked to the victim’s account, NSCDC operatives traced the suspect and took him into custody.
During questioning, Mujeeb allegedly confessed to the crime and admitted that he had previously worked with the deceased as an apprentice in electrical installation services.
According to investigators, the suspect claimed a disagreement between him and his former employer led to lingering resentment.
The NSCDC said the suspect confessed to inviting Afolabi to an unfinished building in the Kangile area of Kunlende, Ilorin, under the pretense of inspecting a new electrical project.
He allegedly attacked and killed the technician at the location before taking possession of the victim’s mobile phone and SIM card, which were later used to demand money from family members.
As part of the investigation, the suspect reportedly led security operatives to the crime scene, where a shallow grave believed to contain the victim’s remains was discovered.
Authorities also recovered the victim’s mobile phone and SIM card from the suspect.
The NSCDC stated that investigations are continuing and that the suspect will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for further action upon completion of preliminary inquiries.
Commandant Abbas Nda Mohammed reassured residents of Kwara State that the corps remains committed to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain alert and promptly share useful information with security agencies to aid efforts aimed at tackling criminal activities.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
Reader responses are closed on older stories.
