Suspected members of a kidnapping gang that abducted a medical doctor in Auchi, Edo State, and killed his younger brother have been arrested after a dramatic encounter at the hospital where the victim works.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended after taking their sick child to the same hospital for medical attention. While carrying out his official duties, the abducted doctor, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, allegedly walked into the ward and recognised the suspects as part of the gang that kidnapped him weeks earlier. He promptly alerted hospital authorities, who contacted security operatives, leading to the suspects’ arrest at the hospital premises.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the arrests followed ongoing investigations into the abduction of Dr. Babatunde.
According to her, the first breakthrough in the case occurred on February 3, when operatives of the Auchi Division, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, carried out a bush-combing operation at Warake Forest. During the operation, one suspect, identified as Saminu Kawujie (male), was intercepted.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of two knives, two mobile phones, one UBA ATM card, and the sum of ₦20,250. An identification parade was subsequently conducted at the police station, during which the suspect was identified as one of those involved in the abduction of Dr. Babatunde.
Providing further details on the latest arrests, ASP Ikoedem stated that on February 8, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer, acting on credible intelligence related to the same case, mobilised operatives to the Specialist Hospital in Auchi.
“At the hospital premises, two suspects identified as Idris Abubakar (male) and Sani Abubakar (male) were apprehended. Both suspects were identified as members of the gang that abducted Dr. Babatunde on January 2, 2026. Idris Abubakar was specifically identified as the individual who received the ransom money paid for the doctor’s release,” she said.
The police spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, assuring residents of the state that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.