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 of the state

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, who confirmed that the suspects conspired to abduct the boy and demanded a ransom of ?3 million, later negotiating it down to ?200,000 before killing him.

According to Wakil, the boy’s father, Safiyanu Abdullahi, reported his disappearance to the village head on March 20, 2025, after which he received a call from the kidnappers demanding ransom. Upon receiving the report, detectives from the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched an investigation, which led to a breakthrough at a Point of Sale (POS) site where a ransom transaction was traced.

“On March 21st, 2025, around 10:00am, police operatives arrested Rabi’u Muhammadu, a 23-year-old from Leka village. He was found to have the phone number and account number 0145285130, OZOCHIKELU SAMSON, UNION BANK PLC, used to make the ransom demands,” Wakil said.

Further interrogation led to the arrest of Samson Ozochikel, 35, identified as the mastermind, along with Muhammad Sani, 25 (alias Jingi), and Musa Usman, 30 (alias Kala), all from Leka village.

Tragically, the boy’s lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush on March 21, 2025, at 8:30am with a rope tied around his neck. His remains were taken to the General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed his death before he was released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police assured the public that the case is being thoroughly investigated and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement via emergency numbers 112 or 08156814656.

Wakil reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and his family, while strengthening security measures to protect lives and property across the state. (AriseNews TV: Text, Excluding Headline)