The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Isiaka Adeniyi, for attempting to slaughter a 10-year-old pepper hawker for money rituals.

According to the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident happened at Abab Oke-Foma in Ilorin, the state capital.

In a complaint lodged at Onodoko Police Post, police at ‘C’ Division said they received a report from Onodoko on July 2, 2024, at about 5:30 pm, of a 10-year-old hawker, Akeem Nurudeen, of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, lured into a room by the suspect from Ifedapo Community, Oke-Foma area.

The Guardian learnt that the suspect had 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,” police sources alleged.

Ejire-Adeyemi further confirmed that it took the combined swift action of vigilant community members and the police before the suspect could be apprehended and brought to the station.

She said that a preliminary investigation is currently underway while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Victor Olaiya, later commended the proactive efforts of the community in apprehending the suspect and ensuring that justice is served in this grievous matter.

He urged the public to remain calm as the police continue their investigation, assuring that they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.