The Katsina State Police Command has arrested two individuals suspected of kidnapping and murdering a 12-year-old boy in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, outlined the details of the tragic incident. He explained that the victim was abducted on January 11, 2025, while running an errand for his mother. The young boy was on his way to a nearby pharmacy when he was kidnapped at approximately 2:00 pm. Later that evening, at around 9:00 pm, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦25 million.
Despite the family’s attempts to negotiate, the kidnappers refused to release the boy and ultimately killed him. His lifeless body was found later, abandoned on the outskirts of Dankama town.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police for Katsina State, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to launch a comprehensive investigation. Following a detailed inquiry, the police were able to identify and apprehend the two suspects: Muttaka Garba, alias Auta (24), and Yusuf Usman, alias Kwalwa (20). Both individuals have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.
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The Katsina State Police Command has successfully recovered the phone used by the suspects to make the ransom demand in the kidnapping and murder case of the 12-year-old boy. The phone is now part of the evidence being analyzed in the ongoing investigation.
The two arrested suspects will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.
In a separate operation, the police uncovered a four-man syndicate involved in the circulation of counterfeit currency. On December 31, 2024, at approximately 1:00 pm, officers arrested Aliyu Isah (24) of Katsina State after he was found in possession of two counterfeit $100 notes. This arrest led to the discovery of a larger network of fraudsters specializing in counterfeit currency.
Isah had attempted to exchange the fake foreign currency for ₦300,000 at a bureau de change operated by Isma’il Dahiru, a POS operator. Suspicious of the bills, Dahiru alerted the Rimi Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting a swift investigation.
During interrogation, Isah revealed he had obtained the counterfeit notes from Aliyu Sani of Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State, who was subsequently arrested. A search of Sani’s premises recovered 30 additional counterfeit $100 notes. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of Abubakar Sani, Alhaji Ummaru, and Haruna Ibrahim, all from Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza village in Batagarawa Local Government Area, Katsina State. The authorities recovered an additional 980 counterfeit $100 notes from the suspects.
Investigations into the counterfeit currency syndicate are ongoing.
At approximately 10:00 pm, a suspected thief was apprehended by the convoy of the Katsina State Governor while the Governor was visiting an injured police officer at the Katsina Teaching Hospital.
The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Ali (51) of Liyafa Quarters, Katsina State, was caught in the act of vandalizing three motor vehicles in an attempt to gain access to them. Using a master key, Ali successfully unlocked a vehicle belonging to Hon. Zaharaddeeni Usman, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Kurfi Local Government Area. Inside the car, he stole a significant sum of money and four face caps.
DSP Abubakar Sadiq reported that a total of ₦650,000 and the four face caps were recovered from the suspect. As the Governor’s convoy was departing the hospital, the security personnel noticed Ali attempting to flee the scene. The alert officers swiftly apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the murder of the 12-year-old boy in Katsina?
The Katsina State Police Command arrested two suspects: Muttaka Garba (alias Auta), 24, and Yusuf Usman (alias Kwalwa), 20. They were linked to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the 12-year-old boy in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area.
What happened to the 12-year-old boy?
The boy was kidnapped on January 11, 2025, while running an errand for his mother. The kidnappers demanded a ₦25 million ransom, but despite negotiations, they killed the child. His body was later found abandoned on the outskirts of Dankama town.
How did the police track down the suspects?
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to investigate. After a thorough investigation, the suspects were eventually identified and arrested, and they confessed to the crime.
Will the suspects be charged?
Yes, the suspects will be charged in court for kidnapping and murder once the investigation is concluded.
What other crime did the Katsina Police uncover?
In a separate operation, the police uncovered a four-person syndicate involved in circulating counterfeit currency. They recovered 1,018 counterfeit $100 notes that were being exchanged illegally.
How were the counterfeit currency criminals arrested?
The investigation began on December 31, 2024, when Aliyu Isah (24) was arrested for attempting to exchange counterfeit $100 notes at a bureau de change. Further investigation led to the arrest of additional suspects, including Aliyu Sani, Abubakar Sani, Alhaji Ummaru, and Haruna Ibrahim, and the recovery of further counterfeit currency.
What is the status of the counterfeit currency investigation?
The investigation into the counterfeit currency syndicate is ongoing, and the suspects are expected to face prosecution once all the necessary details are gathered.
Conclusion
The Katsina State Police Command has made significant strides in addressing serious criminal activities within the state. The arrest of two individuals linked to the kidnapping and murder of a 12-year-old boy demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling violent crime and ensuring justice for victims. Their swift action, aided by diligent investigation, underscores the importance of law enforcement in protecting communities.
The dismantling of a four-person counterfeit currency syndicate highlights the police’s efforts in combating financial crimes that undermine the economy and disrupt public trust. The recovery of over 1,000 counterfeit $100 notes further emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the fight against fraud.
