The Nasarawa State Police Command has apprehended three individuals in connection with the kidnapping of a two-year-old boy, Godwin Abeson, in the Sabon Pegi area of Lafia Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed, announced the arrests during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Lafia on Friday, October 17, 2025.
According to the CP, the suspects—Asabe Isah, Isah Umar, and Emmanuel Polycarp—were arrested following a manhunt launched by police operatives after a ransom demand of 15 million Naira was made.
“On October 14, 2025, at about 7:30 p.m., a complaint was lodged at ‘E’ Division reporting that Godwin Abeson, aged two, of Sabon Pegi, Shabu, had been kidnapped, with a ransom of fifteen million Naira demanded,” Mohammed stated.
“Police detectives from Shabu Division swiftly launched an operation that led to the arrest of the trio and the safe rescue of the child on October 16, 2025. He has since been reunited with his family.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that Asabe Isah conspired with her husband, Isah Umar, to abduct the child. The suspects reportedly took Godwin to Angwan Nungu, Lafia, where they handed him over to Emmanuel Polycarp, who held him hostage and made ransom calls.
All three suspects have confessed to the crime, and investigations are ongoing.
In a separate operation, the police also arrested a suspected armed robber and kidnapper in the Azara community of Awe LGA, recovering an AK-47 rifle.
On October 5, 2025, at about 9:00 a.m., armed men reportedly attacked road users along Akiri feeder road in Azara Development Area. A patrol team responded quickly, arresting one Mohammed Alhaji Giginya of Kumar Village as he attempted to flee.
Victims were treated at the Azara medical facility. Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle (Breach No. 58-127097110), one magazine, and one live 7.62mm round.
During the review period, the Nasarawa State Police Command arrested 24 suspected kidnappers and one suspected armed robber, recovering three firearms and eight rounds of ammunition.
Commissioner Mohammed reiterated the police commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to intensify intelligence efforts and community policing to ensure criminals face justice.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by providing credible information to sustain the fight against crime.
