Edo State Police have arrested three suspects 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, after the suspects brazenly returned to a hospital for treatment.
The state police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping networks in Auchi and its environs.
The first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was apprehended on February 3, 2026, during a routine bush-combing operation in Warake Forest, assisted by local hunters and vigilante groups. The operation recovered two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and N20,250. Kawujie was later identified in a parade as one of those involved in the abduction.
In a dramatic turn, two other suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were arrested on February 8 at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi, after returning for medical attention. Police said Idris Abubakar was identified as the person who received the N50 million ransom paid for Dr Babatunde’s release.
The victims were abducted on January 2, 2026, while opening the gate to their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi. While Dr Babatunde was eventually released, his younger brother was found dead on January 5 near the Orley River, reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that the command remains committed to pursuing all kidnapping cases to their logical conclusion through sustained intelligence-led policing and aggressive bush-combing operations.
Ikoedem added that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network behind the abductions, warning that no member of the gang would escape justice.
