The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, over a kidnapping case that led to the death of a four-year-old boy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said operatives from the ‘C’ Division in Bauchi carried out the arrest after receiving a report of a missing child.
The case was reported on Saturday, March 21, by Salisu Yunusa of Nasarawa Madina Quarters, who said his son, Yunusa Salisu, had been missing since March 18. He added that an unknown caller contacted him a day later, demanding a ransom of N500,000. The father said he paid N100,000, but the child was not returned.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Safiyanu, who lives in the same area and is known to the victim’s family, having had regular access to their home.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to abducting and strangling the child before dumping the body at Warinje Hills and continuing to demand ransom.
The police said the victim’s decomposing body was later found in a shallow grave, bearing signs of strangulation. A rope believed to have been used in the crime was also recovered at the scene.
Medical personnel confirmed the child dead, after which the body was documented and released to the family for burial on public health grounds.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for further investigation and prosecution.
Residents have been advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
