The Niger State Police Command has arrested 29-year-old Godwin Yahaya over the alleged killing and kidnapping of a large-scale farmer, Jonah Isah, in Zawudna village, Munya Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed in a statement on October 10, 2026, that Yahaya allegedly hired a man identified as Bashiru to abduct Isah for ransom.
According to the police, Bashiru and his gang invaded the farmer’s home around midnight on June 26, 2026. They killed Isah and abducted members of his family, alongside three other people.
The kidnappers demanded N2.1 million before releasing the victims. Those who were recently rescued reportedly identified Yahaya as the person who hired the gang.
Department of State Services operatives in the Kuchi area arrested Yahaya on September 27, 2026, and handed him over to the Sarkin-Pawa Police Division for investigation.
During questioning, Yahaya allegedly confessed to hiring Bashiru in 2024 to kidnap Isah so they could share the ransom. However, the plan was not carried out until two years later.
Police investigations also revealed that Yahaya allegedly took over the farmer’s land for personal use after his death.
The police said, “He is presently under further investigation in SCID Minna, and effort to arrest his accomplices is in progress.”
