The Edo State Police Command has made major strides in the investigation of Dr. Abu Babatunde’s kidnapping, following a series of arrests during intelligence-led operations in Auchi and surrounding areas.
Confirming the report, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem said on 3 February 2026, operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, conducted a bush-combing operation in Warake Forest. They intercepted Saminu Kawujie, who was found in possession of two knives, two mobile phones, a UBA ATM card, and ₦20,250 in cash. An identification parade later confirmed Saminu as one of the abductors involved in Dr. Babatunde’s January 2 abduction.
A further breakthrough occurred on 8 February 2026 when police, acting on intelligence, apprehended two additional suspects, Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, at the Specialist Hospital in Auchi. The suspects had reportedly brought their own children to the hospital for treatment, where Dr. Babatunde recognised them, leading to their immediate arrest. Idris Abubakar was identified as the individual who received ransom payments for Dr. Babatunde’s release.
The Edo State Police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to conduct a comprehensive and discreet investigation aimed at dismantling the organized criminal network behind kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.
Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to pursuing all kidnapping cases to their logical conclusion, while maintaining aggressive bush-combing operations and intelligence-led policing across the state.
