The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 20-year-old suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old boy, despite collecting N100,000 ransom from the victim’s family.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Nasarawa Madina Quarters community in Bauchi, as the suspect was revealed to be a trusted friend of the victim’s uncle with unrestricted access to the family home.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to the statement released by the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the nightmare began when little Yunusa Salisu disappeared from his home on March 18 at approximately 9:30 am.
His father, Salisu Yunusa, reported the case to the ‘C’ Divisional Headquarters in Bauchi on March 21 at 11:00 am, explaining that his son had been missing for three days.
The distraught father revealed that he had received a chilling phone call on March 19 from an unknown number. The caller demanded a ransom of N500,000 for the safe return of his child. In a desperate attempt to save his son, Salisu paid N100,000, but the kidnappers never released the boy.
The Breakthrough in Investigation
Through diligent investigation, detectives traced the crime to Rabiu Safiyanu, a 20-year-old resident of the same neighborhood. What made this case particularly heartbreaking was that the suspect wasn’t a stranger—he was a friend of the victim’s uncle and had regular, trusted access to the family compound.
Upon arrest, Safiyanu confessed to the heinous crime. He admitted to abducting young Yunusa, strangling him to death, and dumping his body at Warinje Hills. Despite knowing the child was already dead, the suspect callously continued demanding additional ransom from the grieving family.
Recovery and Evidence
Police operatives recovered the decomposing remains of the little boy from Warinje Hills. The body bore visible marks of strangulation, and investigators also recovered a rope suspected to have been used in committing the murder.
The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic officially certified the victim dead. Following proper documentation and photography of the crime scene, the body was released to the family and buried on site due to public health considerations.
Police Response and Next Steps
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case to ensure thorough and timely investigation leading to prosecution.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Community Safety Advisory
In light of this tragic incident, CP Aliyu has urged Bauchi residents to remain vigilant about people in their surroundings and to report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that danger can sometimes come from those we trust. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor who has access to their children, even among family friends and acquaintances.
The Bauchi State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and preventing similar incidents in the future.
May the soul of little Yunusa Salisu rest in perfect peace.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case proceeds to prosecution.
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