Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 20-year-old man, Rabiu Adamu, for the alleged strangulation of a kidnapped boy, according to SP Ahmed Wakil, the Command’s spokesperson.
The incident took place in Magaman Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The victim, 12-year-old Christopher Bala, was abducted while running an errand. Notably, Christopher was the son of ASP Bala Yarima, a police officer in Gumau Division.
Upon receiving the report, detectives swiftly launched a rescue operation and arrested the suspect, Rabiu Adamu. Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing connection between the suspect, victim, and victim’s family, including extortion.
Adamu confessed to both the kidnapping and tragic murder of Christopher. He admitted to extorting N200,000 ransom from the victim’s father out of fear of being recognized by the boy. Subsequently, he confessed to strangling Christopher and burying his body in a shallow grave at Bazale village hill.
Following the exhumation of the victim’s remains and a postmortem examination confirming death by strangulation, the case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, as directed by Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to the family and assured them of the relentless pursuit of justice. He urged families to exercise vigilance in choosing associates for the safety of their loved ones.SP Ahmed Wakil reassured the public of the police’s commitment to combatting crime in Bauchi State.