Malik Yahya/
Alhaji Rabo Jelani, an elderly man in Kaduna State, was allegedly abducted twice by his own son, grandson and an accomplice, with the suspects said to have collected a total of N6.5 million in ransom before police arrested two members of the gang.
The police identified the suspects in custody as Yusuf Rabo and Musa Adamu, while Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson, is currently on the run.
The disturbing family-linked kidnapping case was uncovered during investigations into a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms in Kaduna and neighbouring communities.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placide, investigators found that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna to abduct the victim over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock.
“Investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson who is currently at large, to abduct the elderly victim for ransom over claims that he possessed substantial wealth and livestock,” the statement said.
Police said Jelani was abducted on two separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts while ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by one of his own relatives.
“Findings revealed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest locations where ransom negotiations were coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself,” the statement added.
According to investigators, the first abduction yielded N2 million in ransom, while the second generated another N4.5 million, bringing the total amount allegedly collected by the syndicate to N6.5 million.
The Force also disclosed that the gang allegedly operated with multiple AK-47 rifles procured for criminal operations in the area.
“Further investigations established that the syndicate procured and deployed multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations, with Ali Haruna allegedly supplying one of the firearms belonging to his father, while additional weapons were sourced by other members of the gang,” the statement noted.
Police confirmed that one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the operation.
Beyond the alleged abduction of Jelani, investigators said the syndicate had also been linked to other violent crimes within Kaduna State.
“The syndicate has also been linked to other violent crimes within the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis during which commuters were dispossessed of cash and valuables,” the statement said.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons connected to the gang.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling violent crimes nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force said it remained determined to dismantle kidnapping and armed robbery networks through intelligence-led operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups,” the statement added.
0Related posts:
Nigeria at 60: How Africa’s Most Decorated Detective Made the Nation Proud
Why I Like Big Busts – DCP Abba Kyari
Incredible: Police Link Senate President Saraki to Offa Bank Robberies, Killings …Arrest Kwara Gov’s Aides
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
2 Nigerians, Imam on List of 32 London Sex Offenders Jailed This Year
Offa Bank Robbery: Police Say Gang Leader Attended Saraki Daughter’s Wedding, Wore ‘Aso Ebi’