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The Edo police command says it has arrested three suspects linked to the abduction of Abu Babatunde, an Edo-based medical doctor, and the murder of his brother.
In a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesperson, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations in Auchi and surrounding communities.
TheCable had reported how Babatunde and his brother were kidnapped in January, with the abductors demanding N100 million for their release.
While efforts were ongoing to raise the ransom, the kidnappers killed Babatunde’s brother.
Babatunde was later freed after N50 million was paid as ransom.
Providing an update on the investigation, Hundeyin said the first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was arrested on February 3 during a bush-combing operation at Warake forest by operatives of the Auchi division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes.
The police spokesperson said items recovered from the suspect included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and N20,250.
He said an identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which Kawujie was identified as one of those involved in the abduction.
The police said further arrests were made on Sunday at about 9am, when operatives traced the case to the Specialist Hospital, Auchi.
“Two suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were apprehended at the hospital premises,” the statement reads.
Police said Idris Abubakar was specifically identified as the person who received the ransom for Babatunde’s release.
Meanwhile, reports circulating on X said Babatunde had resumed work at the hospital months after his release when the suspects reportedly brought in an ill child for treatment.
He allegedly recognised them as his abductors and discreetly alerted the police, leading to their arrest.
TheCable is yet to independently verify this claim.
The story has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians commending the doctor’s composure and professionalism, while calling on authorities to ensure full justice for the murder of his brother.
The police said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and neighbouring areas.
Monday Agbonika, commissioner of police in Edo state, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to pursuing kidnapping cases “to a logical conclusion” and sustaining aggressive bush-combing and intelligence-led policing across the state.
