Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Zakariyya Muhammad who abducted his neighbour’s 2-year-old daughter and demanded N2m ransom for her release.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, said that the toddler was rescued 16 hours after she was kidnapped at Sabuwar Gandu Kwarin Barka Quarters.
According to the PPRO, the suspect was arrested on Friday, July 5, following a report made by the victim’s father.
“On 04/07/2024 at about 4pm, a report was received from a resident of Sabuwar Gandu Kwarin Barka Quarters, Kano that he received a phone call from an unknown person who claimed to have kidnapped his 2½-year-old daughter, Amina and demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000:00) for her release,” the statement read.
“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba raised a team of Anti-kidnapping Squad led by SP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal and directed that the victim be rescued within 24 hours, and to ensure the arrest of the suspect.
“Consequently, the squad swung into action. Sustained efforts, coupled with intelligence-led technical operations, led to the arrest of the suspect, Zakariyya Muhammad, ‘m’, aged 22 years old, of Sabuwar Gandu Kwarin Barka Quarters, Kano on 05/07/2024 by 8am, i.e. 16 hours after the kidnap incident
“The suspect who happens to be a neighbour to the victim confessed to having singlehandedly committed the offence and led the detectives to where she was kept hostage
“The victim was rescued unhurt in an isolated area in their neighborhood and was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano where she was examined, found healthy, and discharged
“The Commissioner of Police assures the public that this despicable act will not be tolerated and the Command will continue to leverage all its available assets to forestall all criminal activities and bring the perpetrators to justice
“The Commissioner of Police while appreciating the law-abiding people of the State, urges the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Police in preventing and reporting criminal activities to help create a safer environment for all
“In case of emergencies, Kano State Police Command can be contacted through the following mobile phone numbers; *08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926,* or login to the NPF Rescue Me Application available in the Play Store, or through the following Online Media Platforms.”
