Kidnapper Who Killed Victim After Collecting N600,000 Ransom Arrested In Katsina

The police in Katsina have arrested a kidnapper who allegedly confessed to killing his victim after collecting a ₦600,000 ransom.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, “In the course of interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a four-man kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped the victim, demanded a sum of ₦600,000 as ransom, and subsequently killed the victim.”

The PPRO explained further, “Following a complaint about the disappearance of one Isiya Lawal, of Sabuwar Unguwa quarters, Katsina, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, detailed the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to conduct a discreet investigation. The OC AKU led a team of detectives and swung into action, where they successfully traced and arrested the suspect in connection with the disappearance of the victim.”

In a separate development, the police said they arrested a 13-year-old boy for allegedly providing “vital information” to suspected bandits, enabling them to launch attacks on villages and unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the statement, the suspect also confessed to being part of the gang that has consistently attacked Unguwar Bawa village, Dandume Local Government Area, where they kidnapped people and rustled animals.

The statement said that “On 3 July 2024, the command, in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) attached to Dansoda village, Dandume Local Government Area, succeeded in arresting one Umar Hassan, age 13, residing at Sheik Abdullahi quarters, Dandume town, in connection with a suspected case of aiding and abetting armed banditry.

“The suspect was arrested following intelligence reports about his nefarious activities, where he specialised in providing information on villages and potential targets to suspected armed bandits.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime and further mentioned one Abba, now at large, as his accomplice.”