The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Isiaka Adeniyi, for allegedly attempting to murder a 10-year-old boy who was selling pepper in Ilorin, the state capital.
Adeniyi was taken into custody on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the Oke-Foma area of Ilorin West Local Government Area. The arrest was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement, Adeniyi allegedly lured the boy into a room under the pretense of buying pepper from him.
“According to information received from the police at the C Division, on July 2, 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 (name 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 a 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 underway, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough and discreet investigation.
“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 PPRO stated.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, praised the proactive efforts of the community members in apprehending the suspect and ensuring justice in this grievous matter.