The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Yahaya Zubairu, 20, and Babangida Muhammad, 20, over the kidnapping and murder of a nine-year-old boy, Barhama Abubakar.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Bauchi by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, who revealed that the suspects are relatives of the victim and resided in the same compound.
According to the police, the victim was abducted on March 21, 2026, after which a ransom of ₦1 million was demanded. Acting swiftly on the report, operatives tracked and arrested the suspects, leading to the recovery of the victim’s decomposed body.
A medical examination later confirmed the child’s death.
Habib stated that the suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap and kill the boy, tying his neck and legs in a manner that resulted in his death. He explained that Babangida, who is a cousin of the victim, lured the child by asking him to buy biscuits and deliver them to a designated primary school, where both suspects abducted him and took him to the scene of the crime.
The police spokesperson added that the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting they targeted the victim’s father under the belief that he had substantial financial resources.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
He further confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding lives and property, while calling on members of the public to provide useful information that could aid in tracking other criminal elements.
