The Bauchi State Police Command says ut has arrested a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Christopher Bala in Magama Gumau town who was abducted while on an errand.
Spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command SP Mohammed Wakil said the victim is the biological son of a Police officer, ASP Bala Yarima of Gumau Division, Bauchi State Police Command.
SP Wakil explained that on March 21st, 2024, at approximately 0800hrs, the Bauchi State Police Command received a distress call regarding the abduction of Christopher Bala, son of ASP Bala Yerima, from Gumau town.
He stated that upon receiving the report, detectives from the Toro Division immediately responded to initiate a rescue operation and apprehend the perpetrators of the act.
“Preliminary investigations which identified 20-year-old Magama Gumau resident Rabi’u Adamu as the prime suspect, revealed alarming details of extortion and blood relation between the suspect, victim and victim’s family.
“Adamu eventually confessed to the kidnapping and the tragic murder of young Christopher.
“He admitted to having extorted a two hundred thousand Naira (NGN200,000) ransom from the victim’s father, ASP Yarima. He admitted that fearing that the murdered Christopher recognized him, he went ahead to strangle the 12-year-old victim and buried the body in a shallow grave at Bazale village hill.
“Following established procedures, the Bauchi State Police Command exhumed the victim’s remains. A postmortem examination conducted at the General Hospital Toro confirmed the cause of death as strangulation.
“Subsequently, the case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation, following a directive by the state commissioner of police”..
Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police has expressed deepest condolence to the family, friends and loved ones of Christopher Bala. The CP assures them that a relentless pursuit of justice is underway.
He also called on Households to be more vigilant over the people they keep close particularly family and friends for the safety and security of their immediate family.
He assured of the police’s unwavering and relentless efforts in sustaining the battle against crime and criminality in the state.