The [Bauchi State Police Command](https://bspc.gov.ng) announced on Monday, 26 October 2026 that a 19‑year‑old suspect has been taken into custody over the murder of five‑year‑old Habiba Abubakar, whose body was recovered from a water pit in Badaromo village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
**Key facts**
- Habiba was reported missing on 23 October 2026 by her grandfather at about 1900 hrs.
- Her remains were discovered the following morning, around 0700 hrs on 24 October, in a small water pit behind the village.
- Police from the Soro Division secured the scene and arrested Sadiku Musa, 19, a resident of the same locality.
- The investigation has been transferred to the [State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)](https://bspc.gov.ng/scid) for a discreet and thorough probe.
- Commissioner of Police [Sani‑Omolori Aliyu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sani_Omolori_Aliyu) condemned the killing and urged the community to protect children.
**What prompted the search?**
On 23 October, Habiba’s grandfather, a Badaromo villager, reported his granddaughter missing at roughly 1900 hours. He said the entire village called out her name throughout the night, but no response was heard.
**How was the body found?**
At dawn on 24 October, around 0700 hours, villagers discovered the child’s lifeless body lying in a shallow water pit situated behind the settlement. The discovery turned a hopeful search into a tragic scene.
**Who was arrested and why?**
Police operatives from the Soro Division immediately cordoned off the area and apprehended Sadiku Musa, a 19‑year‑old who lives in Badaromo. He was taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the heinous act.
**What are the next steps for the investigation?**
The case has been handed over to the [SCID](https://bspc.gov.ng/scid) in Bauchi for a discreet and comprehensive investigation. Authorities indicated that forensic examinations and witness statements are underway.
**What did the Commissioner say?**
Commissioner of Police Sani‑Omolori Aliyu described the incident, along with a recent case involving the poisoning of a six‑year‑old boy by his step‑mother, as “heartbreaking and inhuman.” He pledged that “justice will speak for Habiba and Mubarak,” and appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to vigilantly watch over children and report any suspicious activity.
The police continue to urge residents of Ganjuwa and surrounding areas to cooperate fully with investigators and to remain alert for any further leads that could aid in bringing the perpetrator to justice.