Bauchi Police Arrest 20-Year-Old for Kidnapping and Killing Friend's 4-Year-Old Nephew
The Bauchi State Police Command has made a significant arrest in a harrowing case of kidnapping and murder, detaining a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, for the abduction and killing of a four-year-old boy. The arrest followed a report of a missing child, with the suspect confessing to the heinous crime after collecting a ransom payment.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the incident began when one Salisu Yunusa of Nasarawa Madina Quarters reported on Saturday, March 21, that his son, Yunusa Salisu, had gone missing on March 18. The father revealed that he received a call from an unidentified number the next day, demanding a ransom of N500,000. Out of desperation, he paid N100,000, but the child was not released, prompting further police action.
Investigation led detectives from the 'C' Divisional Headquarters in Bauchi, under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, to arrest Rabiu Safiyanu. The suspect, who resides at the same address, is a friend of the victim's uncle and had free access to the house, making him a prime suspect in the case.
Confession and Recovery of Evidence
During interrogation, Rabiu Safiyanu confessed to abducting the four-year-old victim, strangling him to death, and then dumping the body at Warinje Hills. Shockingly, he continued to demand additional ransom even after committing the murder, showing a callous disregard for human life.
Police recovered the decomposing corpse, which showed clear marks of strangulation, along with a rope suspected to have been used in the act. The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic certified the victim dead, and for public health safety, the body was photographed, released to relatives, and buried on site.
Police Response and Public Warning
The suspect is currently in police custody, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case. He emphasized the need for timely, discreet investigation and prosecution to ensure justice is served.
In light of this tragic event, CP Aliyu charged residents to always observe people around them and report any suspicious activities to the police promptly. This case underscores the importance of community vigilance in combating crime and protecting vulnerable members of society.
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Bauchi State Police to address kidnapping and violent crimes, with this incident serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such acts in the region.
