Police have arrested a key suspect connected to the abduction of a village head in Kano State.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspect linked to the 2022 abduction of the village head of Garun Babba, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari.

The incident, which occurred on August 9, 2022, saw the monarch kidnapped and dispossessed of ₦2.75 million, a phone, and a wristwatch.

According to the police, a joint team from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Garun Mallam Division swiftly launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The kidnappers later abandoned the monarch, who was rescued unharmed, while three motorcycles used during the crime were recovered.

In a statement on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, identified the suspect as Usman Lawan Baba, popularly known as “Yellow.” He added that the suspect confessed to the crime and disclosed the identities of his accomplices.

“The Kano State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and armed robbery with the arrest of one Usman Lawan Baba, also known as “Yellow,” a 27-year-old male from Dakatsalle, Zango Ranka, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State,” the statement read.

“The arrest was made on 2nd October 2025 at approximately 1800hrs in connection with a kidnapping and armed robbery incident involving the Village Head of Garun Babba, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari, aged 41, which occurred on 9th August 2022.

“During the incident, the victim was kidnapped and robbed of two million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦2,750,000), a Tecno Kevo 4 handset, and a wristwatch. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the victim was successfully rescued as the suspects attempted to flee the town.

“The arrested suspect, Usman Lawan Baba, has confessed to the crime and admitted to receiving six thousand naira (₦6,000) as his share of the stolen money. He also revealed the identities of his accomplices, including: 1. Bello Kici-Kici of Falgore Village, Doguwa LGA, Kano State, who was neutralized by the Police during a kidnapping operation in Jigawa State, with an AK-47 rifle recovered. 2. Mallam Sale of Gezawa LGA, who was neutralized by the Police during an armed robbery incident in Gezawa LGA, Kano State. 3. Ruwa Shehu of Gafan Village, Bebeji LGA, Kano State, who is currently in a correctional facility for a kidnapping-related offense. 4. Other accomplices, including Ibrahim Gwanja, Sule Naye, and an unidentified individual, have been linked to the case and are under further investigation.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, commends the public for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime and acknowledges the outstanding efforts of the operatives involved in the operation. He reiterates the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kano State.

“For any suspicious activities or emergencies, the public is encouraged to contact the Command through its emergency lines as follows: 08032419754, 08123821575 or 09029292926.”