THE Kano State Police Command has arrested a major suspect linked to the 2023 abduction of the Village Head of Garun Babba, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari, nearly three years after the crime shook the community.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Saturday obtained by News Point Nigeria.
According to him, the suspect, identified as Usman Lawan Baba, popularly known as Yellow, was apprehended on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m.
Haruna disclosed that the 27-year-old suspect, a resident of Dakatsalle in Zango Ranka, Bebeji Local Government Area, was wanted in connection with the kidnapping and armed robbery incident of August 9, 2023, during which the traditional ruler was abducted.
The kidnappers reportedly robbed the monarch of ₦2.75 million, a Tecno Kevo 4 phone, and a wristwatch. Fortunately, police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad rescued the victim while the criminals attempted to flee the community.
During interrogation, Baba confessed to participating in the operation and admitted he received ₦6,000 as his share of the ransom money. He also revealed the identities of several accomplices involved in the crime.
Bello Kici-Kici of Falgore Village, Doguwa LGA, who was neutralised by police during a kidnapping operation in Jigawa State, where an AK-47 rifle was recovered.
Mallam Sale of Gezawa LGA, who was killed in an exchange with police during an armed robbery in Gezawa.
Ruwa Shehu of Gafan Village, Bebeji LGA, who is already serving time in a correctional facility for another kidnapping-related crime.
Other accomplices still at large include Ibrahim Gwanja, Sule Naye, and an unidentified individual who are now subjects of an ongoing investigation.
The police confirmed that Baba will face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the diligent efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and praised residents for their continued support in providing intelligence that aids security operations.
It would be recalled that on September 1, 2025, the command announced the arrest of 107 suspects involved in crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, and drug trafficking to vehicle theft and thuggery across the state.
Haruna assured that the police remain committed to making Kano unsafe for criminals while urging residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
