Kano: Police arrest suspect three years after kidnapping village head

The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested a suspect, three years after a kidnapping and armed robbery involving the village head of Garun Babba in Bebeji Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa confirmed in a statement on Saturday, that the suspect, Usman Lawan Baba, also known as “Yellow”, aged 27, from Dakatsalle in Bebeji LGA, was arrested on October 2, 2025, around 6:00 p.m.
According to Kiyawa, the arrest is linked to a 2023 case in which the victim, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari, 41, was kidnapped and robbed of ₦2.75m, a Tecno Kevo 4 phone, and a wristwatch.
“Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the victim was rescued as the suspects attempted to flee,” the statement said.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted to collecting ₦6,000 as his share of the ransom. He also identified his accomplices. Police said some of them had already been killed or arrested in other operations.
Among those named were Bello Kici-Kici of Falgore Village, Doguwa LGA, who was killed by police in Jigawa State during a kidnapping operation, and Mallam Sale of Gezawa LGA, who was also neutralized during a robbery incident. Another accomplice, Ruwa Shehu of Gafan Village, is currently serving time in a correctional facility for a similar offense.
The police added that other suspects, including Ibrahim Gwanja, Sule Naye, and one yet to be identified, are under investigation.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised the officers involved in the operation and thanked the public for their cooperation. He assured residents that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police urged residents to report suspicious activities or emergencies through these numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.