Police Arrest Suspect Over Kidnap, Murder Of 4-year-old In Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a four-year-old boy, Yunusa Salisu.

The incident was reported on March 21 by the child’s father, Salisu Yunusa, a resident of Nasarawa Madina Quarters in Bauchi, who said his son went missing on March 18.

According to the father, he received a call on March 19 from an unknown individual using a private number, demanding a ransom of N500,000. He said he paid N100,000 in a desperate attempt to secure his son’s release, but the child was not returned.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the police public relations officer, Nafiu Habib, said detectives from the ‘C’ divisional headquarters launched an investigation immediately after the report.

The probe led to the arrest of the suspect, who lives in the same neighbourhood and is reportedly a friend of the complainant’s younger brother—giving him access to the family home.

Police said the suspect confessed to abducting the child, strangling him, dumping the body at Warinje Hills, and subsequently demanding ransom.

The decomposing body of the victim was later recovered, showing signs of strangulation. A rope believed to have been used in the crime was also found at the scene.

The officer in charge of the police clinic confirmed the child dead. The remains were photographed and released to the family, and later buried at the site for public health reasons.

Habib said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation leading to prosecution.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.