Man Arrested for Kidnapping and Killing 4-Year-Old Nephew After Collecting N100,000 Ransom in Bauchi

Authorities from the Bauchi State Police Command have apprehended a 20-year- old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, implicated in the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old boy.

This information was shared by the police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The suspect's arrest was prompted by reports concerning a missing child.

According to the police report, Salisu Yunusa, who resides in Nasarawa Madina Quarters, notified the authorities on Saturday, March 21, that his son, Yunusa Salisu, had gone missing on March 18.

Yunusa’s father stated that he received a call from an unknown number the following day, demanding a ransom of N500,000. He managed to pay N100,000 but the child remained unreturned.

An ensuing investigation led to the apprehension of the suspect, who is an acquaintance of the boy’s uncle.

In his confession, Rabiu admitted to abducting the boy, strangling him, and hiding the remains in a hill while also requesting additional ransom.

The police retrieved the body, which showed signs of strangulation, along with a rope believed to have been the instrument used in the crime.

“The detectives at the ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters in Bauchi, guided by the DPO, took action following a report made by Salisu Yunusa on March 21 at 11:00 AM regarding his son’s disappearance on March 18 around 9:30 AM,” read the official statement.

“The father noted that he received a ransom demand call on March 19 from an anonymous number requesting N500,000 and made a payment of N100,000 without the return of his child.

“This investigation resulted in the arrest of Rabiu Safiyanu, a 20-year-old with access to the victim’s home, as a friend of the complainant's younger brother.

“Rabiu confessed to taking the boy, strangling him, disposing of the body at Warinje Hills, and soliciting further ransom.”

The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic confirmed the death of the child. The remains were photographed before being handed over to the family for burial, in consideration of public health.

“The suspect remains in custody. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to assume responsibility for the case and ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution.

“He also urged the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.”