May 20, (THEWILL) — The Kaduna State Police Command has uncovered what it described as a disturbing family-backed kidnapping syndicate involving a son and grandson who allegedly masterminded the abduction of their elderly father and grandfather, Alhaji Rabo Jelani, in a bid to extort millions of naira in ransom.
The command disclosed on Tuesday that two suspects, Yusuf Rabo, the victim’s son, and Musa Adamu, are currently in police custody following investigations into the repeated abduction of the elderly man, while another suspect, Ali Haruna, identified as the victim’s grandson, remains at large.
According to the police, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna to orchestrate the kidnapping of Alhaji Jelani over claims that the victim possessed substantial wealth and a large number of livestock.
Police authorities said the suspects allegedly formed part of a criminal syndicate that procured sophisticated weapons, including multiple AK-47 rifles, to carry out their operations across parts of Kaduna State.
Investigators further disclosed that Ali Haruna allegedly supplied one of the rifles used during the operations, reportedly belonging to his father, while other weapons were sourced by additional members of the gang. One AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered during the police operation.
The command stated that findings from the investigation showed that the victim was abducted on more than one occasion and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself.
According to the police, the first abduction allegedly yielded a ransom payment of N2 million, while a second operation generated another N4.5 million from the victim’s family and associates.
The police described the development as shocking, noting that the victim’s own son allegedly participated actively in negotiations and coordination of the ransom payments.
Beyond the kidnapping of Alhaji Jelani, the syndicate has also been linked to several violent crimes within the area, including the kidnapping of a trader identified simply as Mr Iyke.
The police further alleged that the gang was responsible for an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis, during which commuters were reportedly dispossessed of cash, phones, and other valuables at gunpoint.
Security operatives said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the criminal network.
The command assured residents that efforts were being intensified to dismantle kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates operating within Kaduna and surrounding communities, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
