Police arrest suspected ritualist over attempted murder in Ilorin

A suspected ritualist, Isiaka Adeniyi, aged 46, from the Ifedapo community, Oke-Foma area of the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara state has been arrested by the operatives of the state Police command. 

Tribune Online gathered that the suspect allegedly lured a 10-year-old boy, Akeem Nurudeen, resident of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, who was hawking pepper into his room under the pretext of purchasing pepper, “but instead covered the victim’s face with cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife”.

It was gathered that the incident happened on July 2, 2024, at about 5:30 pm at the Abab Oke-Foma area of the Ilorin metropolis. 

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said that it took swift action of vigilant members of the community before the suspect could be apprehended and brought to the station. 

It was also gathered that marks from knife cuts were seen on the neck of the boy apparently while the suspect was trying to slaughter the boy. 

In the statement by the PPRO, she said that the Kwara State Police command received a distress call of an attempted culpable homicide and the arrest of a suspected ritualist in the state.

“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, Akeem Nurudeen, 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.

“Thanks to the swift action of vigilant community members, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the station. Preliminary investigation is currently underway, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough and discreet investigation.

“The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commends the proactive efforts of the community members in apprehending the suspect and ensuring that justice is served in this grievous matter.

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

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