Four arrested over abduction, murder of 6-year-old boy in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a six-year-old boy, Shuaibu Safiyanu, in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesman of the Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the incident occurred on March 20, 2025, when the victim’s father, Safiyanu Abdullahi, reported his son's disappearance to the Village Head, Musa Isah.

Later that day, Abdullahi was said to have received a call from an unknown individual demanding a ransom of N3 million, which was later reduced to N200,000.

Following the report, detectives from the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Rabi'u Muhammadu at a Point of Sale (POS) center on March 21.

Police discovered that the phone number used for the ransom demand was linked to the bank account of one Samson Ozoichikelu, 35, from Sade village.

Further interrogation revealed that Ozoichikelu was the mastermind behind the crime, and two more suspects, Muhammad Sani (alias Jingi), 25, and Musa Usman (alias Kala), 30, were also apprehended.

The young victim’s body was found in a bush on March 21 at about 8:30 am, with a rope tied around his neck.

His remains were taken to the General Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed his death before being released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Police assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated, with the suspects transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiries.

This is as the command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities via the emergency numbers 112 or 08156814656.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that justice prevails in the case.