Police arrest kidnappers’ kingpin linked to attack on Kaduna Catholic church

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Saturday apprehended a suspected notorious kidnappers’ gang leader, Saidu Yakubu, also known as ‘Ismail’.

The gang was said to be behind the September 7, 2023 attack at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Fadan Kamanta, Kafanchan Diocese, in Jema’ah Local Government Area of Kaduna State, razing the parish house together with a seminarian, Na’aman Danladi, to death.

In a statement on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan said the arrest was made in collaboration with military personnel, adding that the suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crime.

“In a commendable display of swift action and dedication to public safety, the Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner, Ali Dabigi, has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail ‘M’ who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire.

“On September 7, 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack.

The statement said the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel.

*One seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his life in the inferno and property worth millions of naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire,” the statement noted.

“Due to diligence and the tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on March 22, 2024, one Yakubu Saidu, the alleged mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for the arrest.

“Their dedication and bravery are a testament to their commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kaduna State.”

The statement reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of all residents in the state.