Police smash abduction syndicate, rescue two kids

Police have smashed a syndicate, which specialised in the abduction of children for ritual purposes in Kontagora and Kagara areas of Niger State.It was learnt that the leader of the syndicate, Ismaila Mamuda, was arrested by the police on Saturday, based on a report to the divisional police headquarters in Tegina, Kagara Local Government Area by a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.Mamuda was going to Minna, where he was expected to deliver two boys - Sahati Mamuda, 12, and Idrisu Musa - to one Alhaji Nma Tanimu Mohammed.Upon his arrest, Mamuda said he did not kidnap the kids. He also denied any connection with the principal suspect, Ismaila Kasimu, adding that he did not conduct any unlawful business with him in the past.However, confirming the development, the state Police Commissioner, Mrs. Desaye Desire Nsirim, said on interrogation, Kasimu confessed that one Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed of Kontagora town asked him to convey the kids to one Alhaji Nma Tanimu Mohammed in Minna for an undisclosed amount for ritual purposes.She also explained that Kasimu confessed to have masterminded the kidnap of two other kids in March, and got N1,150,000 out of the deal.According to her, the suspects have been arraigned before a magistrates’ court for criminal conspiracy and kidnapping, while the victims have been released to their guardian, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim of Tegina town.