The Sokoto State Police Command has successfully apprehended an 18-year-old man, Abba Aliyu, in connection with the kidnapping of a two-year-old boy, Saidu Ibrahim, in the Badon Hanya area of Sokoto.
According to The PUNCH, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, revealed that the child was abducted on October 13, 2024, and his captors demanded a ransom of N2 million.
The family eventually paid N500,000 before the child was released.
According to the police, the victim’s father, Ibrahim Shehu, reported the abduction to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on October 16, leading to an investigation that tracked the suspect to Badon Hanya.
The police were able to arrest Aliyu and recover a Tecno mobile phone used to demand the ransom.
“The suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and admitted to holding the child with the intent of extorting money from the family,” Rufai stated.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the investigative team for their efforts in securing the arrest.
He emphasized the command’s dedication to fighting crime and urged parents to take preventive measures to safeguard their children from such incidents.
“Parents should educate their children about basic safety measures, such as identifying trusted adults and reporting suspicious activity,” CP Musa advised. “Other tips include staying in well-lit areas, avoiding isolated places, and never accepting rides or gifts from strangers.”
The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, with further investigations ongoing to determine if more individuals were involved in the kidnapping syndicate.
