The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of an elderly man in Kaduna State, with investigations revealing that the victim’s own son was among those who orchestrated his abduction.
The suspects, Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, were taken into custody following the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani. Police say Yusuf Rabo — the victim’s son — conspired with Musa Adamu and the victim’s grandson, Ali Haruna, to kidnap the elderly man for ransom, targeting him over his perceived wealth and livestock holdings. Haruna remains at large.
Investigators say the gang abducted Alhaji Jelani on two separate occasions, transporting him to remote forest locations where Yusuf Rabo personally coordinated ransom negotiations. The first abduction netted ₦2 million, while a second operation yielded ₦4.5 million.
The syndicate also deployed multiple AK-47 rifles during their operations. Police allege that Haruna supplied one of the weapons, a firearm belonging to his own father, the victim, while other gang members sourced additional arms. One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the arrest operation.
Beyond the Jelani kidnappings, the group has been linked to the abduction of a trader identified as Mr Iyke, and to an armed robbery along the Kagoma axis in which commuters were robbed of cash and valuables.
Police say efforts to track down Ali Haruna and recover additional weapons are ongoing.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country,” said DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement issued Tuesday from Force Headquarters, Abuja.
