Police in Gombe arrest a man suspected of killing his kidnapped nephew

Mubarak Haladu, 21, was arrested by the Nigerian Police in Gombe State for kidnapping, culpable homicide, shoplifting and theft.

The suspect allegedly kidnapped his seven-year-old nephew Haruna Bello and demanded a ransom of N1.5 million from the boy’s father, Bello Haladu.

The Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest on Friday.

He said Mubarak demanded a ransom over the phone, which left his brother devastated.

Unfortunately, after initiating the search, the police found the boy’s body in an abandoned building.

“I received a call from Mubarak demanding $1.5 million in exchange for my son’s freedom. I was devastated,” Bello Haladu testified in a police statement.

The case was handed over to the anti-kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, which uncovered Mubarak’s involvement in other crimes, including shop break-ins and the theft of about 30 mobile phones.

The police determined that one of the stolen SIM cards was used to make the ransom call.

Abdullahi added: “Tragically, on October 18, 2024, the young victim, Haruna Bello, was found dead and decomposing in an uncompleted building in Dadin Kowa village.

“We condemn this heinous act and assure the public that justice will be served.”

Police confirmed that Mubarak Haladu will soon face trial for his crimes.