The Edo State Police Command has announced significant progress in its investigation into the abduction of Dr Abu Babatunde, with the arrest of key suspects linked to a notorious kidnapping network operating in Auchi and its environs.
In a statement issued on Sunday by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, the command said the breakthroughs followed sustained, intelligence-led operations that have yielded multiple arrests and fresh leads in the case.
Police said the first arrest was made on February 3, 2026, when operatives of the Auchi Division, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups, carried out a bush-combing operation at Warake Forest. Acting on credible intelligence, the team intercepted a suspect identified as Saminu Kawujie.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card and the sum of ₦20,250. An identification parade was subsequently conducted at the police station, during which Kawujie was identified as one of those involved in the kidnapping of Dr Babatunde.
The command recorded further success on February 8, 2026, when the Divisional Police Officer, acting on another intelligence lead, mobilised operatives to the Specialist Hospital, Auchi. Two additional suspects, identified as Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were apprehended within the hospital premises.
According to police, both men have been positively identified as members of the gang that abducted Dr Babatunde on January 2, 2026. Investigators revealed that Idris Abubakar was specifically identified as the individual who received the ransom money paid for the doctor’s release.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper revealed that the suspects had unknowingly walked into the hospital where Dr Babatunde, who had earlier been abducted alongside his brother, was receiving medical treatment after his release. The doctor, who was freed following the alleged payment of a ₦50 million ransom, reportedly recognised his captors and discreetly alerted security personnel.
Police operatives swiftly responded, arresting the suspects as they attempted to flee and hide within the hospital premises. The suspects were later confronted by Dr Babatunde, who confirmed their identities to investigators.
In a surprising twist, police disclosed that one of the suspects confessed to having fed the doctor with garri during his time in captivity. The suspects have since admitted their involvement in the crime and are said to be cooperating with authorities to track down other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that the command remains resolute in dismantling organised criminal networks across the state.
He said aggressive bush-combing operations and intelligence-led policing would be sustained to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police urged members of the public to continue providing useful information, adding that the command’s emergency and complaints lines remain open as investigations continue.
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