The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old prime suspect, Abba Aliyu, in connection with a kidnapping syndicate. Aliyu, a neighbor of the complainant from the Badon Hanya area of Sokoto State, was apprehended following the abduction of a two-year-old boy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, revealed that on October 16, 2024, at about noon, Ibrahim Shehu reported to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department in Sokoto that his son, Saidu Ibrahim, had been missing since October 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
The police investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the missing child and bring other perpetrators to justice.
“Despite efforts to locate him, his whereabouts remained unknown until the abductor demanded N2 million for his release via phone call after which the sum of five hundred thousand naira was paid before the victim regained freedom.
“Detectives swiftly coordinated intelligence-led operations, tracing the location of the suspect at Badon hanya behind Zamson filling station which led to his arrest.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to have kidnapped the victim and held him, hostage, with a view to extort money from his parent, while one Tecno android mobile was used in demanding for the ransom was recovered from him,” the command said.
The statement further said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating crime and praised personnel efforts in ensuring the successful arrest of the suspect.
The CP also gave some hints on how parents can safeguard their children against criminal elements which includes educating the children on basic safety protocols.
“Teach them to identify trusted adults and report suspicious activities, avoid walking alone as well as encourage the children to use the buddy system.
“Others include staying in well-lit areas, avoiding isolated or dark areas, never accepting gifts or rides from strangers, warning them about potential lures, reporting suspicious activities or individuals and encouraging open communication with them,” he counseled.
