From Muhammad Ahmad Saka, in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers who killed a six-year-old boy, Shuaibu Safiyanu, in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area of the State.
Our correspondent heard that the father reported to their village that his son was missing.
Thereafter, the body of the son was found hanging on a tree inside a bush.
The Bauchi State Police Command spokesman, CSP Ahmed Muhammad Wakil said the incident occured on March 20, 2025, at about 8:00 AM, when 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 ₦3,000,000 from an unknown caller, which was eventually reduced to ₦200,000.
Responding swiftly to this report, detectives of Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched a comprehensive investigation that led to a breakthrough at a POS site nearby.
On March 21, 2025, around 10:00 AM, police operatives arrested Rabi’u Muhammadu, a 23-year-old from Leka village.
He was found to have the phone number and account number 0145285130 OZOCHIKELU SAMSON UNION BANK PLC used to make the ransom demands.
During interrogation, Rabi’u Muhammadu identified Samson Ozoichikel, 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 custody.
Wakil said “Sadly, on March 21, 2025, around 8:30 AM, 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 rites.”
He said The Commissioner of Police for Bauchi State 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.
Wakil said The Police Command encourages 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
– Police Control Room: 08156814656
The Bauchi State Police Command is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens while ensuring that justice is served effectively, the police said.
