Woman Allegedly Kidnaps Three-Year-Old Niece, Demands N10m From Brother For Her Release In Zamfara
A 26-year-old woman has been arrested by the police in Zamfara State for allegedly kidnapping her three-year-old niece and demanding N10 million from the child’s parents as ransom.
The suspect, identified as Saadiya Sahabi, was reportedly arrested after keeping her niece, Nabila Abdulganiyu, in captivity for approximately two weeks.
The Zamfara State Police Command disclosed that the suspect is the paternal aunt of the little girl and the younger sister of her father.
According to the police, the incident came to light after the victim’s father, Abdulganiyu Sahabi, reported her disappearance to the State Intelligence Department on October 30, 2026.
The father reportedly told detectives that his daughter went missing on October 28, before he received a call from a hidden telephone number the following day.
During the call, the caller allegedly claimed to have kidnapped the little girl and demanded N10 million for her release.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, ordered an immediate investigation to track down those responsible and secure the child’s release.
Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar, in a statement on Friday, said the investigation, which involved intelligence gathering and technical analysis, eventually led operatives to Bela District in Bungudu Local Government Area.
The suspect was arrested at the location on November 10, while the kidnapped child was successfully rescued.
The police further revealed that preliminary findings established that the suspect and the victim’s father shared the same biological father but had different mothers.
The statement added that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping during interrogation.
The rescued child was taken for medical examination and later reunited with her parents on November 12.
The police said investigations were still ongoing to uncover further details about the incident and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officers for their efforts and warned that the Command would ensure anyone found guilty of kidnapping or other criminal activities faces the full consequences of the law.
