Police in Bauchi State have recovered the body of a four-year-old boy who was abducted and killed, while arresting a 20-year-old suspect in connection with the crime.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, the suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, was apprehended by detectives from the ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters after a report of a missing child.
The case was first reported on March 21, 2026, by the victim’s father, Salisu Yunusa, who said his son, Yunusa Salisu, had gone missing three days earlier. He told police he later received a ransom demand of N500,000 from an unknown caller on March 19 and paid N100,000, but his son was not released.
Investigations led to the arrest of Safiyanu, who lives in the same area and is known to the family, reportedly having easy access to their home. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to abducting the child, strangling him, and burying the body in a shallow grave at Warinje Hills, while continuing to demand ransom.
Police said the child’s decomposing body was later recovered from the site, showing signs of strangulation. A rope believed to have been used in the crime was also found.
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The officer in charge of the police clinic confirmed the child dead. The body was subsequently documented and released to the family for burial on public health grounds.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case for further investigation and prosecution. Authorities also urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
This incident comes just days after police announced the arrest of four siblings linked to the killing of a security guard at a farm in Jama’are Local Government Area, following an attack reported on March 15, 2026.
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