Bauchi Police Arrest Insider Over Kidnapping, Murder of 4-Year-Old Boy

By Orbit News

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a four-year-old boy in Bauchi.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect was apprehended by detectives from ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters following a report of a missing child.

The father of the victim, Salisu Yunusa of Nasarawa Madina Quarters, had reported on March 21 that his son, Yunusa Salisu, went missing on March 18 at about 9:30 a.m. He later received a call from an unknown number demanding a ransom of ₦500,000. The family reportedly paid ₦100,000, but the child was not released.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Safiyanu, who was described as a friend of the victim’s uncle and had regular access to the family’s residence.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to abducting the child, strangling him, and dumping his body at Warinje Hills before proceeding to demand ransom from the family.

The police said the decomposing body of the child was later recovered with signs of strangulation. A rope believed to have been used in the act was also found at the scene.

The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic confirmed the victim dead, after which the body was documented and released to the family for burial in line with public health considerations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and ensure diligent investigation and prosecution.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.