A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Gayadi Gyadi, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano state, has ordered the remand of three youths in a correctional facility for the alleged kidnapping of a 4-year-old boy, Muhammad Nasir.
The accused, identified as Hizbullah Salisu, Aliyu Abubakar, and Hassan Aliyu, reportedly abducted the child and demanded a ransom of N10 million but later settled for N300,000 after negotiations.
According to the police report, Hizbullah Salisu, who is a cousin to the victim, was the mastermind behind the abduction. The trio was tracked and apprehended by the police on September 7, 2024, following a thorough investigation.
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The accused were charged with conspiracy, criminal offense, and kidnapping, to which they pleaded not guilty. Presiding Magistrate Rakiya Lami Sani ordered their remand at a correctional center until their re-arraignment scheduled for October 30, 2024.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for stricter penalties for individuals involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes. The case has also raised concerns over the increasing involvement of close family members in criminal activities against their relatives.
The court’s decision to remand the accused until their next hearing is seen as a step towards ensuring justice is served and sends a strong message to deter similar crimes in the state.