Police Arrest Couple and Accomplice for Kidnapping Two-Year-Old in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the kidnapping of a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, in the Sabon Pegi area of Lafia Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed, announced the arrests during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Lafia on Friday, October 17, 2025.
According to him, the suspects — Asabe Isah, Isah Umar, and Emmanuel Polycarp — were apprehended following a manhunt launched by police operatives after a complaint was filed.
“On October 14, 2025, at about 7:30 p.m., a report was made at ‘E’ Division that a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson of Sabon Pegi, Shabu, had been kidnapped and a ransom of ₦15 million was demanded,” the CP said.
He added that detectives attached to the Shabu Division immediately commenced a manhunt, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of the child on October 16, 2025. The boy has since been reunited with his family.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Asabe Isah allegedly conspired with her husband, Isah Umar, to carry out the abduction.
He narrated that the suspects took the victim to Angwan Nungu, Lafia, and handed him over to Emmanuel Polycarp, who held him hostage and began calling to demand ransom.
According to the Commissioner of Police, the suspects have confessed to the crime, and a thorough investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.
Mohammed also announced the arrest of a suspected armed robber/kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle in the Azara community of Awe LGA in the state.
On October 5, 2025, at about 09:00 hours, a complaint was lodged at Azara Division that unknown armed men attacked road users along Akiri feeder road, Azara Development Area of Awe LGA
“A patrol team was immediately deployed to the scene, where one Mohammed Alhaji Giginya, of Kumar Village, was arrested while attempting to flee
While noting that the victims were taken to the Azara medical facility for treatment, the Commissioner added that the recovered exhibits include: one (1) AK-47 rifle (Breach No. 58-127097110), one (1) magazine, and one (1) live round of 7.62mm ammunition
According to Mohammed, during the period under review, the Nasarawa State Police Command was able to arrest 24 suspected kidnappers and one suspected armed robber, adding that three firearms and eight rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
“The Nasarawa State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We will continue to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and ensure that all criminals face the full weight of the law.
“I urge all residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that will help sustain the current tempo in the fight against crime,” he concluded.
