The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the abduction of a medical doctor, Dr Abu Babatunde, and the killing of his younger brother in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
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The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.
The viral flyer used to seek donation from the public when the doctor was abducted.
According to the statement, the first suspect, Saminu Kawujie, was arrested on February 3, 2026, during a routine bush-combing operation carried out by operatives of the Auchi Division in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups at Warake Forest.
“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, one UBA ATM card, and the sum of N20,250,” the police said.
The command added that an identification parade was conducted, during which the suspect was identified as one of those involved in the abduction of Dr Babatunde.
The statement further revealed that on February 8, 2026, operatives acting on intelligence arrested two other suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, at the Specialist Hospital, Auchi.
“Both suspects have also been identified as part of the gang that abducted Dr Abu Babatunde on January 2, 2026,” the statement said, adding that Idris Abubakar was identified as the person who received the ransom paid for the doctor’s release.
Ikoedem noted that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire criminal network behind kidnappings in the area.
“Efforts have been intensified towards conducting a comprehensive and discreet investigation aimed at dismantling the entire notorious organised criminal network responsible for the kidnappings in Auchi and its environs,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents of the command’s resolve to pursue all kidnapping cases to a logical conclusion and bring perpetrators to justice through sustained intelligence-led policing and aggressive bush-combing operations across the state.
Recall that Dr Babatunde regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid a N50m ransom.
The doctor and his younger brother were abducted on January 2, 2026, while opening the gate to their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi.
However, the younger brother was later found dead on January 5 near the Orley River along City Pride Road, with police suspecting he was killed by the abductors.
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