Bauchi Police Arrest Suspect in Child Kidnap and Homicide Case, Recover Victim’s Body

By Abdulqadir Muhammad Alhaji

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

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect, identified as Rabiu Safiyanu, was apprehended by detectives from the ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters following a report lodged on March 21, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m.

The complainant, Salisu Yunusa of Nasarawa Madina Quarters, had reported that his son, Yunusa Salisu, went missing on March 18, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m. He further disclosed that he received a call the following day from an unidentified number demanding a ransom of N500,000. The father stated that he paid N100,000 in an effort to secure the child’s release, but the victim was not returned.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, who is said to be a resident of the same area and a friend of the complainant’s younger brother, thereby having unrestricted access to the family’s residence.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to abducting the child, strangling him to death, and disposing of the body at Warinje Hills. He also admitted to making further ransom demands after committing the crime.

The police subsequently recovered the decomposing body of the victim, which reportedly bore marks of strangulation. A rope suspected to have been used in the act was also recovered at the scene. The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic confirmed the victim dead.

According to the statement, the body was documented, released to the family, and buried at the location in accordance with public health considerations.

The suspect remains in police custody, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case to ensure a thorough and discreet investigation, as well as diligent prosecution.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities within their communities to the police.