The Niger State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the abduction and gruesome killing of a 10-year-old boy in Mariga Local Government Area. In a separate operation, three suspected motorcycle thieves were also apprehended in Kontagora.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
He explained that the case began on July 24, 2025, when young Yaseer Mustapha of Kwana-Mariga was abducted. While his guardian was on the farm, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦3.5 million.
After negotiations, the guardian managed to raise ₦100,000, which was paid into an account provided by the abductors. A month later, he was asked to pay an additional ₦10,000 to one Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi. However, no further word came from the kidnappers.
Concerned over the boy’s fate, the guardian reported the case to the police in September. The matter was transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Abdulmajid Dan-Azumi (32) of Kwana. His confession exposed his accomplice, Abdulnafiu Usman (18), from the same community.
“The suspects confessed to the crime, and unfortunately, they killed the boy and buried him in an uncompleted building within the neighbourhood. The operatives were led to the scene, where the decomposed body was recovered and later released to the family for burial,” SP Abiodun stated.
Both suspects have since been arraigned in court for prosecution.
Motorcycle Theft Ring Busted
In a separate operation, police in Kontagora arrested three men for stealing and dismantling a Bajaj motorcycle.
On September 23, 2025, a patrol team from ‘B’ Division, Kontagora, intercepted two suspects along Kontagora–Yauri Road near Mararaba Junction. The suspects initially refused to stop but were pursued and arrested. A search revealed dismantled motorcycle parts concealed in a sack.
The suspects were identified as Jibril Musa (24) of Bayan-Waya, Kontagora, and Ahmed Tiamiyu of the New Market area, Kontagora. During interrogation, they confessed to stealing the motorcycle and named an accomplice, Elijah Ochoba (20), who allegedly helped dismantle it.
“All three suspects have been arrested and remain in custody under investigation,” Abiodun confirmed.
