Two-year-old rescued as police uncover alleged N15m staged kidnapping plot

The suspects

Two-year-old rescued as police uncover alleged N15m staged kidnapping plot

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested several suspects over an alleged staged kidnapping involving a two-year-old child in Plateau State and rescued the child after investigators uncovered a ransom scheme allegedly involving people known to the family.

The arrests were made by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) during an intelligence-led investigation into kidnapping and other criminal activities.

In the case involving the child, police identified a 34-year-old suspect, Nansik Wuyep Sule, who was arrested over the reported abduction of two-year-old Rito Jesse Davou.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged kidnapping may have been deliberately staged to create the impression that the child had been abducted by unknown criminals.

Investigators alleged that Sule worked with the child’s biological mother, Catherine Davou, as part of the scheme.

Police said the alleged plan initially involved a N7 million ransom demand, which was later increased to N15 million.

As investigators intensified their efforts to locate the child, they reportedly discovered information indicating that the two-year-old was being kept at Sule’s residence.

Another suspect, Luka Emmanuel Butdam, was also arrested over allegations that he made ransom-related calls to the child’s grandmother.

Police operatives subsequently located the child and rescued him safely.

The rescued child was reportedly given medical attention before being reunited with his biological father.

The investigation is continuing as police seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged staged abduction and determine whether other individuals were involved.

The case highlights the complexities investigators can face in kidnapping investigations, particularly where alleged ransom demands are made by individuals who may have prior knowledge of the victim or family.

Police investigate separate kidnapping and robbery cases

In a separate investigation, the IRT also arrested Idris Mohammed, popularly known as Yellow, and Mohammed Bello Adams over their alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly targeted a commercial driver, Idris Zakari Baba, after arranging for him to transport Mohammed from Abuja to Zaria.

Investigators alleged that the driver was intercepted by armed men after picking up Mohammed and was taken into the bush, where he was held until a N3 million ransom was reportedly paid.

The victim’s 2012 Toyota Corolla was later traced to Bauchi State and recovered while Mohammed was allegedly attempting to sell the vehicle.

Further investigation allegedly linked the suspects to another kidnapping case involving Pastor David Dahni and his driver, Abdullahi Abubakar.

Police said a ransom of approximately N10.5 million was reportedly paid in connection with that incident.

The Force said investigations into the cases remain ongoing, with operatives working to identify other suspects and establish the full extent of the alleged criminal activities.

The latest arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to disrupt kidnapping networks, investigate ransom-related offences and recover property allegedly taken during criminal operations.

Police have continued to encourage members of the public to provide credible information that could help security agencies prevent kidnappings and identify suspected criminal networks.

The suspects remain under investigation, and allegations against them have not been finally determined by a court. Any prosecution will be subject to the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the relevant prosecuting authorities.