A 21-year-old electrical apprentice has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State over the alleged abduction and murder of his employer, 60-year-old Mr. Olarewaju Afolabi, in a case that has shocked residents of Ilorin and surrounding communities.
The suspect, identified as Soliu Mujeeb, was apprehended following an intensive investigation by the NSCDC Tracking Unit after the victim was declared missing and his family reportedly received ransom demands from his phone.
The Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Abbas Nda-Muhammed, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Ilorin on Sunday.
According to the commandant, the case was reported to the corps on June 11, 2026, after family members became concerned over Afolabi’s disappearance.
He explained that the victim had left his residence on June 7 to inspect an electrical wiring project but never returned home.
“Mr. Afolabi left for what appeared to be a routine inspection of an electrical installation site. When he failed to return and all efforts to contact him proved unsuccessful, his family reported him missing,” Nda-Muhammed said.
The situation took a more disturbing turn when the victim’s relatives allegedly began receiving ransom demands through Afolabi’s mobile phone.
According to the NSCDC, the caller demanded a ransom payment of N2 million in exchange for the victim’s release.
However, due to financial constraints, the family was reportedly only able to raise N120,000, which was paid according to the instructions given by the caller.
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“The suspect promised that the victim would be released after receiving the money,” the commandant stated.
Despite the payment, Afolabi did not return home, prompting security operatives to intensify investigations.
Nda-Muhammed said detectives were able to trace the suspect through a combination of intelligence gathering, digital tracking, and financial analysis of transactions linked to the victim’s Opay account.
Their investigation eventually led to the arrest of Mujeeb, who reportedly worked under the deceased as a “joinman” in electrical installation services.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to having a disagreement with his employer over missing electrical materials.
According to investigators, Mujeeb claimed that Afolabi held him responsible for the missing items and directed that the cost be recovered gradually through deductions from his salary.The arrangement reportedly created tension between both men.
“The suspect stated that he became angry when the victim began deducting money from his wages to cover the cost of the missing materials,” Nda-Muhammed said.
Investigators allege that the resentment culminated in a deadly plot.
According to the NSCDC, Mujeeb allegedly lured Afolabi to Anuoluwapo Community in Kangile, located in Ilorin East Local Government Area, under the pretext of inspecting a new electrical project.
Upon arriving at the site, which was said to be an uncompleted building, the suspect allegedly attacked and killed his employer.
Security officials further alleged that after committing the crime, Mujeeb took possession of the victim’s mobile phone and SIM card, which he subsequently used to contact family members and demand ransom.
“The suspect allegedly used the victim’s phone to extort money from his family after killing him,” the commandant revealed.
Following further questioning, the suspect reportedly led investigators to the scene of the crime.
At the location, operatives discovered a shallow grave believed to contain the remains of the deceased. The victim’s mobile phone and SIM card were also reportedly recovered from the site.
The gruesome discovery brought an end to days of uncertainty surrounding Afolabi’s disappearance and provided investigators with crucial evidence in the case.
Nda-Muhammed assured the public that investigations are continuing and that the matter would be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action and prosecution.
He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to protecting lives and property and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies to combat criminal activities across the state.
“Our commitment is to work tirelessly with other security agencies to rid Kwara State of criminals and ensure justice is served,” he said.
The commandant also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing and solving crimes.
He stressed that public support remains a critical component in the fight against criminality and in ensuring safer communities across Kwara State.
The suspect is expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution once preliminary procedures are completed.