The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old boy, Yunusa Salisu, in Bauchi metropolis. The arrest followed a complaint lodged on March 21 by the victim’s father, Salisu Yunusa, a resident of Nasarawa Madina Quarters, who reported that his son had gone missing since March 18.
According to the father, he received a phone call on March 19 from an unknown number demanding a ransom of ₦500,000 for the release of his son. In a desperate attempt to secure the boy’s freedom, he paid ₦100,000 but did not hear further from the caller nor see his child, prompting him to alert the police.
Police detectives from the ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), immediately launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of the suspect, who was discovered to be a familiar figure within the victim’s household, as he was a friend to the complainant’s younger brother and had unrestricted access to the family home.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to abducting the child and subsequently strangling him to death. He further admitted to disposing of the body at Warinje Hills and continuing to demand ransom from the victim’s father even after committing the crime.
The police later recovered the decomposing body of the child at the location identified by the suspect, with visible signs of strangulation. A rope believed to have been used in the act was also recovered. The police clinic confirmed the victim dead, and the body was documented before being released to the family for burial at the site in line with public health considerations.
According to PPRO Bauchi Police Command SP Nafiu Habibi, 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 prompt prosecution. He also urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor activities around them, and promptly report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement authorities.
