Man, 46, Arrested Over Attempt To Kill Street Hawker, 10, For Ritual Purposes

AISHA ABUBAKAR 

The arrest of a 46-year-old man, Isiaka Adeniyi, for attempting to kill a 10-year-old pepper hawker for money rituals, has exposed some of the experiences and dangers street hawkers face in the course of selling their wares.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Police operatives from the Kwara State Command have arrested the suspect, Adeniyi, for allegedly attempting to kill the victim, Akeem Nurudeen, while he was hawking on the street before he was accosted by the suspect in the guise of trying to buy pepper.

This was disclosed by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said that the incident happened at Abab Oke-Foma in Ilorin, the State capital.

The operatives went into action after they received a report from Onodoko on July 2, 2024, at about 5:30 pm, that a 10-year old hawker, Akeem Nurudeen, of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, was lured into a room by the suspect from Ifedapo Community, Oke-Foma area.

“The suspect had lured the victim under the pretence of purchasing pepper, but instead covered the victim’s face with cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife,” Police sources alleged.

DSP 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 the 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.

The Police stated that the suspect will be charged before the Court for the alleged offence but that will be after the conclusion of investigations by the Police.