A 29-year-old man has been arrested over the killing of farmer Jonah Isah and the kidnapping of members of his family in Zawudna village, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the police.
The suspect, Godwin Yahaya, was arrested on September 27 by State Security Service operatives attached to Kuchi and handed over to the Sarkin-Pawa Police Division. The attack on the farmer’s home took place on June 26.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun described the case in an October 10 crime bulletin. He said the arrest followed allegations by rescued kidnapping victims that Yahaya had conspired with the gang to abduct Isah and others for ransom.
According to the police account reported by Premium Times and Channels Television, Yahaya allegedly told investigators that he contracted a man identified as Bashiru in 2024 to abduct the farmer so they could share the ransom proceeds. Police said Bashiru remained at large.
The plan was allegedly carried out at about midnight on June 26, when Bashiru and other gang members entered Isah’s residence, killed him and abducted members of his family alongside three other people.
Police said the kidnappers demanded N2.1 million before releasing the victims. The victims allegedly told investigators that their captors identified Yahaya as the person who arranged the operation.
Investigators also alleged that Yahaya took over the deceased farmer’s land after his death. These allegations and the reported confession remain the police account of a case under investigation.
Yahaya was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna. Police said efforts were continuing to arrest Bashiru and other suspected members of the gang.
Sources: Premium Times, Channels Television
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