The Katsina State Police Command has announced plans to arraign six suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of an eight-year-old schoolboy in Katsina metropolis.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit.
According to the police, the victim was abducted on May 13, 2026, while returning from an Islamic school. The kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N50 million for the child’s release.
After several negotiations, the family reportedly paid N17 million before the boy regained his freedom.
Aliyu revealed that detectives launched an investigation into the incident and, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked down and arrested six members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate on May 23, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Nura Aliyu, alleged to be the mastermind and a neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu, Ibrahim Muhammad, Iliyasu Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, and Abdullahi Isma’il.
Inside Katsina:
Katsina Hisbah Arrests Native Doctor and Two Women Over Alleged Charm Scheme
Troops, Vigilantes Repel Bandits’ Attack on Katsina Community
Security Forces Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina, Recover Stolen Cattle
Police said the suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation and also revealed the identity of another accomplice who is currently on the run.
Items recovered from the suspects include a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle, and N7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom money paid by the victim’s family.
The police spokesperson stated that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for the swift operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Katsina State.
About the Author
