The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to the kidnap and brutal murder of a six-year-old boy, Shuaibu Safiyanu, in Sade Village, Darazo Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, confirming that the suspects conspired to abduct the boy and initially demanded a ransom of ₦3 million, which was later reduced to ₦200,000.
According to Wakil, the case was reported to the police on March 20, 2025, by the victim’s father, Safiyanu Abdullahi, after his son went missing.
“On March 20, 2025, at about 8:00 am, Safiyanu Abdullahi reported the disappearance of his son to the Village Head, Musa Isah. Later that day, Abdullahi received a ransom demand of ₦3,000,000 from an unknown caller, which was eventually lowered to ₦200,000,” Wakil stated.
Following the report, detectives from the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched an investigation, which led to a breakthrough at a nearby Point of Sale (POS) location.
On March 21, 2025, at about 10:00 am, the police arrested Rabi’u Muhammadu, 23, from Leka Village, after linking him to the phone number and bank account (0145285130, Union Bank, registered to Ozochikelu Samson) used to facilitate the ransom demand.
Suspects Confess, Victim’s Body Discovered
During interrogation, Muhammadu implicated three others:
Samson Ozochikel, 35 (alleged mastermind)
Muhammad Sani, 25 (alias Jingi)
Musa Usman, 30 (alias Kala)
All four suspects are currently in police custody.
Tragically, on March 21, 2025, at about 8:30 am, Shuaibu Safiyanu’s lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush, with a rope tied around his neck. His remains were transported to the General Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed his death before the body was released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites.
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, has assured the public that the Command is fully committed to ensuring justice for the slain child. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“The Bauchi State Police Command remains dedicated to protecting lives and property. We encourage the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency numbers: 112 or 08156814656,” Wakil added.
