The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old suspect, Abba Aliyu, in connection with the kidnapping of a two-year-old boy, Saidu Ibrahim.
Aliyu, a neighbor of the victim’s family in the Badon Hanya area of Sokoto State, was taken into custody following an intensive operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
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In a statement released on Saturday by the command’s spokesman, ASP Ahmed Rufai, it was disclosed that the kidnapping occurred on October 13, 2024, at around 6:00 p.m. The father of the victim, Ibrahim Shehu, reported the incident to the police on October 16, 2024.
Despite efforts to find the missing child, his location remained unknown until the kidnapper demanded a ransom of N2 million for his release through a phone call. After a negotiation, N500,000 was paid, and the boy was freed.
“Detectives swiftly coordinated intelligence-led operations, tracing the location of the suspect at Badon Hanya behind Zamson Filling Station, leading to his arrest,” the statement read. Aliyu later confessed to the crime, admitting that he kidnapped the child to extort money from the family. The police recovered a Tecno Android mobile phone used to make the ransom demands.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. He also stressed the importance of parental vigilance in safeguarding children against such criminal elements.
“Teach them to identify trusted adults and report suspicious activities, avoid walking alone, and encourage the use of the buddy system,” CP Musa advised. He also urged parents to ensure children stay in well-lit areas, avoid isolated places, and be wary of accepting gifts or rides from strangers.
