The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered several stolen items following a tip-off from one of their victims.
Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, saying it was made possible after a distress report from a victim, Jameson Godwill.
“On February 13, 2025, at about 2:30 PM, one Jameson Godwill, 25, of Ado Village, Nasarawa State, reported to the police that he had spotted one of his kidnappers, Musa Babagana, at Mararaba Junction,” Nansel said.
According to the police, Godwill and his younger brother were kidnapped on January 25, 2025, while traveling in a commercial vehicle from Mararaba in Karu Local Government Area to CBN Junction in Abuja.
The suspects allegedly stole two mobile phones—an iPhone 12 and an iPhone 11 Pro—as well as ₦63,000 in cash. After robbing them, the kidnappers gave them ₦1,000 for transportation back to Mararaba.
When Godwill saw Babagana at Mararaba Junction, he quickly raised an alarm, which caused the suspect to flee. However, police officers responded immediately and were able to arrest Babagana, Iliyasu Baba, and another suspect, Ibrahim Mohammed.
One more suspect, identified only as Haruna, managed to escape and is still on the run.
During interrogation, Babagana and Mohammed confessed to being part of a kidnapping gang operating in Abuja and surrounding areas, including Dutse Alhaji, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Mandala, and Suleja in Niger State.
The police recovered several items from the suspects, including:
– One Toyota Corolla with registration number FK186 EKO
– Two military camouflage uniforms
– One military desert camouflage uniform
– One black paramilitary uniform
– One military identification card
– One paramilitary cap
– Four SIM cards from different networks
– Two jackknives
– One pair of handcuffs
– One black boot and a desert boot
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
He also praised the officers for their quick response, assuring residents that the police remain committed to ensuring their safety.
“The swift action of our officers shows our dedication to fighting crime. We will continue to go after criminals and make sure they face justice,” CP Shetima said.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
