The Sokoto State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a kidnapping case, arresting 18-year-old Abba Aliyu for abducting his neighbor’s 2-year-old son in the Badon Hanya area of Sokoto State. The arrest follows coordinated efforts by the police’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which tracked down the suspect after a series of demands for ransom.
On October 16, 2024, Ibrahim Shehu reported to the Sokoto Criminal Investigation Department that his young son, Saidu Ibrahim, had gone missing since October 13, 2024. According to the police, Shehu’s son disappeared around 6 p.m., sparking a desperate search by the family. Despite these efforts, Saidu’s whereabouts remained unknown until the abductor contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N2 million for the child’s safe release.
The police spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, shared details of the case with newsmen, revealing that the kidnapper eventually settled for a ransom of N500,000, which the family paid to secure the child’s release. “The abductor demanded N2 million via a phone call, after which the sum of five hundred thousand naira was paid before the victim regained freedom,” Rufai explained.
Following the ransom payment, the Sokoto Police launched a swift, intelligence-led operation to trace the suspect. The operation pinpointed Abba Aliyu’s location near a filling station behind Zamson in Badon Hanya, where he was apprehended. During the investigation, Aliyu confessed to kidnapping the child, admitting that his goal was to extort money from the victim’s family. The police also recovered a Tecno Android mobile phone that the suspect used to communicate the ransom demands.
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The Commissioner of Police for Sokoto State, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the police team for their efforts in apprehending the suspect and securing the child’s release. He emphasized the command’s dedication to maintaining safety and cracking down on criminal activities in the state. “Our commitment to combating crime remains unwavering, and the swift arrest of the suspect is a testament to the hard work of our personnel,” the CP stated.
In light of the incident, CP Musa also offered advice to parents on how to protect their children from kidnappers and other criminal elements. He stressed the importance of teaching children basic safety measures and encouraging open communication between parents and their children. “Teach them to identify trusted adults and report suspicious activities, avoid walking alone, and use the buddy system,” the police commissioner advised. He further emphasized the need for children to stay in well-lit areas, avoid isolated places, and never accept gifts or rides from strangers.
CP Musa highlighted that parents should warn their children about potential dangers and encourage them to report any suspicious activities or individuals they encounter. He concluded by urging the community to remain vigilant and support efforts to create a safer environment for all residents.