Former Katsina Governor’s Ex-Aide Arrested Over Alleged Link to Kidnapping Syndicate
A former Senior Special Adviser on Community Development in Katsina State, Nuru Aliyu Garwa, has been arrested by security operatives over alleged involvement in a kidnapping network operating within the state.
According to Zagazola Makama, the suspect was apprehended on May 24 during an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina State.
Report indicates that the victim was kidnapped on May 13 while returning from a Quranic school. The abductors initially demanded N50 million ransom from the family before negotiations reportedly reduced the amount to N17 million, which was eventually paid for the child’s release.
Following the payment, the family reportedly alerted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, prompting security operatives to launch a discreet investigation into the incident.
Investigators reportedly arrested six suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate on May 23, with intelligence gathered from the suspects later leading to the arrest of Garwa, who recently resigned from his government appointment to pursue a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly.
Security sources further disclosed that operatives who searched the suspect’s residence recovered N7.5 million in cash concealed inside a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds.
Authorities also reportedly recovered a motorcycle allegedly used by the syndicate during operations, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of his alleged involvement and uncover other possible members of the kidnapping network.
The development has sparked reactions across Katsina State due to the suspect’s previous position in government and his recent political ambitions.
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