DSS arrests 5 for kidnap, murder of infant in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended five suspects in connection with the heartbreaking abduction and murder of a one-year-old girl, Sakina Mamuda, in Duhun Bake village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.

Spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, said the suspects were arrested following swift action by security operatives.

Yusuf commended the DSS and other agencies for their prompt response in bringing the alleged perpetrators into custody.

He revealed that the suspects abducted the infant and demanded a ransom from her family. Tragically, the child was later murdered, and her body was dumped in an abandoned well.

Those arrested — Zailani Rabiu, Hafizu Yusuf, Abubakar Abdulkareem, Umar Lawan, and Amadu Salisu — are all residents of the same community as the victim in Gwarzo LGA. They are currently under investigation for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and homicide.

At a joint press conference held at the Government House in Kano, on Thursday, May 8, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, along with the Commissioner for Information and other senior officials, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served swiftly.

The governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it a “senseless tragedy” that has shaken the state.

He emphasized his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security through greater investments in intelligence, logistics, and inter-agency cooperation.

“I commend the DSS for acting swiftly and decisively. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our people and ensure that those who threaten our peace are brought to justice,” the governor stated.

The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, with many calling for the immediate prosecution of the suspects and the strict enforcement of child protection laws.

The Star