RismadarVoice Reporters
February 8, 2026
Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the abduction of a medical doctor, Dr Abu Babatunde, and the killing of his younger brother in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates operating in Auchi and its environs.
According to the statement, the first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was arrested on February 3, 2026, during a bush-combing operation at Warake Forest by operatives of the Auchi Division, working with local hunters and vigilante groups.
A search of the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, one UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250 in cash.
Police said an identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which Kawujie was identified as one of those involved in the abduction of Dr Babatunde.
The statement further revealed that on February 8, 2026, operatives acting on intelligence arrested two additional suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi.
“Both suspects have been identified as part of the gang that abducted Dr Abu Babatunde on January 2, 2026,” the statement said, adding that Idris Abubakar was identified as the individual who received the ransom paid for the doctor’s release.
The police said investigations were ongoing to uncover, dismantle the entire criminal network behind kidnappings in the area.
