Bauchi: Police arrest four suspected kidnappers for culpable homicide

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four individuals linked to the kidnapping and  murder of a 6-year-old boy, Shuaibu Safiyanu, in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area.

The Command PPRO, CSP Ahmed Wakili in a statement issued to Journalists, Saturday evening, said, “On March 20, 2025, at about 8:00am, Safiyanu Abdullahi, a resident of Sade village, reported the disappearance of his son, Shuaibu, to the Village Head, Musa Isah. 

“Later that day, Abdullahi received a ransom demand of the sum of ₦3,000,000 from an unknown caller, which was eventually lowered to ₦200,000.” 

Responding swiftly to the report, detectives of Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched a comprehensive investigation that led to a breakthrough at a POS site nearby. 

The PPRO added that,” On March 21, 2025, around 10:00am, Police Operatives arrested Rabi’u Muhammadu, a 23-year-old from Leka village. 

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He was found to have the phone number and account number, 0145285130 with the name, Ozochikelu Samson, Union Bank Plc, used to make the ransom demands.

During interrogation, Rabi’u Muhammadu identified Samson Ozochikelu, 35, from Sade village, as the mastermind behind the kidnapping. 

He also implicated two additional suspects: Muhammad Sani, 25, ALIAS Jingi, and Musa Usman, 30, known as Kala, from Leka village Via Darazo. All four suspects are currently in Police custody.

Ahmed Wakili added that, “Sadly, on March 21, 2025, around 8:30am, the body of Shuaibu Safiyanu was discovered in a nearby bush, tied with a rope around his neck. 

The remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, where a medical Doctor confirmed his death and subsequently released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rights.

The Commissioner of Police has reassured the community that the Command is dedicated to achieving justice in this heartbreaking case. 

The investigation remains ongoing, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough examination.

The Police Command encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to their nearest Police Station or via the following contact numbers: Police Emergency Number: 112 and Police Control Room: 08156814656. 

The Command stressed that it is committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens while ensuring that justice is served effectively.

 

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE