The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to the abduction of medical doctor, Dr. Abu Babatunde, and the killing of his younger brother, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in an intelligence-led crackdown on kidnapping in Auchi and its environs.
Police spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests followed sustained operations targeting organised criminal gangs operating within the area. The first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was apprehended on February 3, 2026, by operatives of the Auchi Division working with local hunters and vigilantes at Warake Forest. Items recovered from him included two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card and ₦20,250 in cash. An identification parade later confirmed him as one of those involved in the abduction.
The police recorded further success on Sunday morning with the arrest of two additional suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi.
Investigations revealed that both men were part of the gang that kidnapped Dr. Babatunde on January 2, 2026, with Abubakar allegedly responsible for receiving the ₦50 million ransom paid for the doctor’s release.
Despite regaining his freedom, tragedy followed as Babatunde’s younger brother was discovered dead on January 5 along the Orley River, Down City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, allegedly murdered by the kidnappers.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network, pledging intensified bush-combing operations and intelligence-driven policing to bring all those involved to justice.
