GOMBE STATE – In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old man, Mubarak Haladu, in connection with the kidnapping and subsequent death of his seven-year-old nephew, Haruna Bello.
The incident has left the Dadin Kowa community in shock, as details of the crime emerged on Friday, revealing a disturbing pattern of criminal activities by the suspect.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing, stating that Haladu was apprehended for several offenses, including kidnapping, culpable homicide, shop breaking, and theft.
The young victim, Haruna Bello, was reported missing before his body was found in an abandoned building in Dadin Kowa village on October 18, 2024, decomposing.
According to Abdullahi, the kidnapping was a carefully orchestrated crime, as Haladu demanded a ransom of N1.5 million from his brother, Bello Haladu, the boy’s father.
“I received a call from Mubarak, demanding N1.5 million in exchange for my son’s freedom. I was devastated,” Bello Haladu shared in a statement provided by the police.
The authorities immediately forwarded the case to the Anti-Kidnapping section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for an in-depth investigation.
During the interrogation, Mubarak Haladu confessed to the kidnapping and admitted to his involvement in multiple other crimes.
The PPRO explained, “Mubarak confessed to kidnapping his nephew and admitted to breaking into three different shops where he stole around 30 mobile phones.
He even used one of the stolen SIM cards to make the ransom demand from his brother.” The revelation added to the distress of the already grieving family and the community.
The tragic discovery of Haruna’s body in an unfinished building only deepened the outrage. The police have condemned the “heinous act” and assured the public that justice would be pursued diligently.
Abdullahi expressed his sympathy to the grieving family, stating, “We condemn this heinous act and assure the public that justice will be served. The suspect will face prosecution in court for his crimes.”
The death of the young boy has sparked outrage and concern about the safety and security in Dadin Kowa and surrounding areas.
Many residents are calling for stricter measures to combat the rise in criminal activities, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as children.
There is also an outpouring of support for Haruna’s family, with members of the community expressing their shock and sadness over the incident.
The case has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and community involvement in safeguarding children and ensuring a swift response to criminal activities.
The authorities are now focusing on bringing the suspect to justice, as the police complete their investigation and prepare for prosecution.
Mubarak Haladu is expected to face charges in court soon, where he will answer for the kidnapping, the death of his nephew, and his involvement in theft.
The grieving family and the community at large hope that justice for Haruna Bello will be delivered swiftly, as they mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short.