The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the abduction of Dr Abu Babatunde and the killing of his younger brother.
The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations targeting organised criminal networks responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and surrounding areas.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of Dr Abu Babatunde, following successive arrests recorded during intelligence-led operations in Auchi,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the first breakthrough came on February 3, 2026, when operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, intercepted a suspect, Saminu Kawujie, at Warake Forest. A search of the suspect led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and N20,250.
“An identification parade was conducted at the police station, and he was identified as one of the abductors of Dr Abu Babatunde,” the statement added.
Further arrests were made on Sunday, at about 9:00 a.m., when two suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were apprehended at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi. Both men were identified as members of the gang that abducted Babatunde on January 2, 2026. Abubakar was specifically linked to receiving ransom payments for the doctor’s release.
“Efforts have been intensified towards a comprehensive investigation aimed at dismantling the entire organised criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and its environs,” the statement noted.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, reassured the public of the command’s determination to resolve all kidnapping cases and bring perpetrators to justice, while continuing aggressive bush-combing operations and intelligence-led policing across the state.
PUNCH Metro had reported that Babatunde regained his freedom after his family paid a N50m ransom. His younger brother, however, was found dead on January 5 along the Orley River, Down City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, reportedly killed by the abductors.
