The Edo State Police Command has recorded further breakthroughs in the ongoing investigation into the kidnap of Dr. Abu Babatunde, following successive arrests made during sustained intelligence-led operations in Auchi and surrounding areas.
The first arrest was recorded on February 3, 2026, when operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, conducted a routine bush-combing operation at Warake Forest based on actionable intelligence. During the operation, one suspect, Saminu Kawujie (male), was intercepted.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of:
Two (2) knives
Two (2) mobile phones
One (1) UBA ATM card
Cash sum of Twenty Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦20,250)
An identification parade was subsequently conducted at the police station, during which the suspect was positively identified as one of the abductors of Dr. Abu Babatunde.
In a related development, on February 8, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer, acting on further intelligence related to the same case, mobilized operatives to the Specialist Hospital, Auchi, where two additional suspects—Idris Abubakar (male) and Sani Abubakar (male)—were arrested at the hospital premises.
Both suspects were identified as members of the gang responsible for the abduction of Dr. Babatunde on January 2, 2026. Investigations further revealed that Idris Abubakar was the individual who received the ransom paid for the victim’s release.
The Edo State Police Command has intensified efforts to conduct a comprehensive and discreet investigation aimed at dismantling the entire organized criminal network behind kidnapping activities in Auchi and its environs.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering resolve to pursue all kidnapping cases to a logical conclusion and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
He further emphasized that aggressive bush-combing operations and intelligence-driven policing will be sustained across the State.
Members of the public can reach the Command through the following lines:
Emergency Control Room:
📞 08077773721
📞 08037646272
Complaints:
Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335
Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992
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