The Katsina State Police Command has uncovered a shocking kidnapping scheme orchestrated by a 14-year-old girl, who allegedly faked her own abduction and arranged the kidnapping of her four-year-old sister to extort a N50 million ransom from their father.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing at the Katsina Police Headquarters. He revealed that authorities successfully dismantled the kidnapping syndicate, rescued the younger victim, arrested four suspects, and recovered a live AK-47 ammunition round.
The case began on February 20, 2025, when Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters, Katsina, reported the abduction of his two daughters—aged 14 and 4—with kidnappers demanding N50 million for their release.
Sadiq stated: “About four months after the kidnapping, the eldest daughter resurfaced. When questioned, she confessed to having conspired with three others to kidnap her 4-year-old sister and faked her own abduction.”
Following her confession, police arrested three accomplices—aged 25, 19, and 16—and safely recovered the four-year-old. “They all confessed to committing the offence,” Sadiq confirmed, adding: “During the investigation, one live round of 7.62mm ammunition was recovered from their possession. The investigation is ongoing.”
Katsina Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, praised officers’ efforts and urged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to combat crime effectively.
