The Edo state police command says it has arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction of Abu Babatunde, an Edo-based medical doctor, and the killing of his brother.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesperson, said the arrests were made after sustained intelligence-led operations in Auchi and neighbouring communities.
TheCable had earlier reported that Babatunde and his brother were kidnapped in January, with the abductors demanding N100 million for their release.
While attempts were being made to raise the ransom, the kidnappers killed Babatunde’s brother.
Babatunde was eventually released after N50 million was paid.
Giving an update on the investigation, Hundeyin said the first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was arrested on February 3 during a bush-combing operation in Warake forest by operatives of the Auchi division, working with local hunters and vigilantes.
According to the police, items recovered from the suspect included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and N20,250.
He added that an identification parade was later 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 after operatives traced the suspects to the Specialist Hospital, Auchi.
“Two suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were apprehended at the hospital premises,” the statement said.
Police disclosed that Idris Abubakar was specifically identified as the individual who collected the ransom for Babatunde’s release.
Meanwhile, reports circulating on X claim that Babatunde had returned to work at the hospital months after his release when the suspects allegedly brought in a sick child for treatment.
He reportedly recognised them as his abductors and quietly alerted the police, leading to their arrest.
TheCable noted that it has yet to independently verify the claim.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians praising the doctor’s calmness and professionalism, while urging authorities to ensure justice for the killing of his brother.
The police said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and surrounding areas.
Monday Agbonika, commissioner of police in Edo state, assured residents that the command remains committed to pursuing kidnapping cases “to a logical conclusion” and sustaining aggressive bush-combing and intelligence-led policing across the state.