The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended four suspects linked to the abduction and brutal killing of six-year-old Shuaibu Safiyanu in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday, revealing the tragic events began on March 20, 2025, when the child’s father, Safiyanu Abdullahi, reported his son missing to the village head, Musa Isah.
Shortly after, Abdullahi received a chilling ransom call from an unknown number, demanding N3 million for his son’s release. The amount was later reduced to N200,000.
Acting swiftly, detectives from the Darazo Divisional Headquarters traced the call to a Point of Sale (POS) center, leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Rabi’u Muhammadu on March 21.
Further investigation uncovered that the phone number was connected to a bank account belonging to Samson Ozoichikelu, 35, a resident of the same village. Under intense interrogation, Ozoichikelu confessed to orchestrating the crime.
Two additional suspects — Muhammad Sani, 25, known as “Jingi,” and Musa Usman, 30, nicknamed “Kala” — were also nabbed for their roles in the plot.
Tragically, the young boy’s lifeless body was discovered in a bush on the morning of March 21, with a rope tied around his neck. His remains were transported to the General Hospital, where a medical professional confirmed his death. The body was later released to his grieving family for burial according to Islamic customs.
The Bauchi State Police Command assured the public that all suspects would face thorough investigation, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for deeper probing.
CSP Wakil urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities through the emergency lines 112 or 08156814656, reiterating the force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring justice for the slain child.
