Police nab two relatives for kidnap, murder of nine-year-old in Bauchi

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The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Yahaya Zubairu, 20, and Babangida Muhammad, 20, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a nine-year-old Barhama Abubakar.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi, the state capital, on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.

Habib said the suspects are relatives of the victim and were living in the same compound.

He also revealed that the victim was kidnapped on March 21, 2026, and a ₦1,000,000 ransom demand was made.

However, the police swung into action and arrested the suspects, recovering the victim’s decomposed body.

“The victim’s decomposed body was recovered, and a medical examination confirmed death,” the statement read.

Habib said the suspects, Yahaya and Babangida, allegedly conspired, kidnapped, and killed the victim, tying his neck and legs, causing his death.

The PPRO stated, “Babangida, a cousin to the victim, lured him by sending him to buy a biscuit and deliver it to him at a designated primary school, where the duo picked him up and took him to the scene of the crime.”

He added that the suspects confessed to the crime, stating that “they targeted the victim’s father, believing he had a lot of money.”

He urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, saying, “The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urges parents and guardians to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.”

Furthermore, the PPRO confirmed that “investigation is ongoing, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).”

The police command revealed that its committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

Habib, therefore, appealed to the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects involved in similar crimes.

In March, the Oyo State Police Command re-arrested a suspected kidnapper who had earlier escaped from police custody.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspect was apprehended on March 17, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. by operatives attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command during a routine stop-and-search patrol